Summary of RFK Jr. in the Hot Seat
In this episode of "What the Health?", host Julie Rovner and health reporters Sandhya Raman and Sarah Karlin-Smith discuss the confirmation hearings of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary-designate. The hearings raised significant concerns about Kennedy's qualifications, particularly his lack of knowledge regarding Medicare and Medicaid, and his controversial views on vaccines, which were highlighted by Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. Despite some Republican members showing no notable opposition, the overall sentiment suggests that Kennedy's confirmation may be precarious, especially with Cassidy's pivotal vote.
The panel also reflects on the chaotic start of the new administration, particularly regarding a recent funding freeze affecting numerous health programs. This freeze has created confusion and concern among federal workers, with implications for critical health services. The discussion covers the legality of the freeze and the administration's apparent lack of understanding of how federal funding operates, as well as the potential impacts on public health.
Additionally, the episode touches on executive orders issued by the Trump administration, particularly those affecting transgender healthcare, reproductive health, and immigration policies. The panel expresses concern over the implications of these orders, especially the risk of deterring individuals from seeking medical care due to fears of immigration enforcement.
The episode concludes with an interview featuring Nicholas Bagley, a law professor at the University of Michigan, who provides insights into the federal regulatory process and the limits of executive power.
Presenters/Contributors:
- Julie Rovner (Host)
- Sandhya Raman (CQ Roll Call)
- Sarah Karlin-Smith (The Pink Sheet)
- Nicholas Bagley (University of Michigan Law School)
Notable Quotes
— 07:03 — « He often got caught in lies or semi-lies and stuff around some of his past statements. »
— 07:40 — « It does make you wonder how much of the people that are running the government understand what the government is, what it entails, and how to operate a government appropriately. »
— 07:48 — « They don’t seem to know what they’re doing. »
— 19:33 — « Trump seems to be taking the tech phrase 'Move fast and break things' very much to heart, basically doing whatever he wants and daring someone to stop him. »
— 30:22 — « This is another flood the zone and dare everybody to keep up with it. »
Category
News and Commentary