Sen. Roger Marshall’s Defense of HHS Secretary Kennedy
Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) supported Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Sunday, shortly after both parties raised pointed inquiries regarding vaccine policy reforms at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
During an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Marshall referred to Kennedy as the “CDC Destroyer,” asserting that he’s effectively overhauling the agency. “Americans don’t trust the CDC, so he’s literally turning that place over,” Marshall stated. “I respect what my colleagues are saying, but I think this whole issue today, or at that meeting, was about vaccines.”
In his view, not everyone requires every vaccine. “The vaccine has saved hundreds of millions of lives, but not every person needs every vaccine,” he added.
Marshall’s remarks come in the wake of a three-hour Senate hearing where Democrats and some Republicans sharply criticized Kennedy. During his testimony on Thursday, he was noted for disseminating misleading information about vaccines, as he articulated his vision for revamping the CDC.
While most Republican senators were supportive, the hearing revealed significant tensions, notably between Kennedy and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.). Senators John Barrasso (Wy) and Tom Tillis (R-N.C.) also expressed concerns regarding Kennedy’s approach to reshaping the nation’s vaccine policies.
As a medical professional, Marshall emphasized that vaccination needs should be more individualized. “We need to be more specific and not overly normative,” he noted in their discussion.
When Brennan raised the possibility of increased mistrust among Americans, Marshall expressed confidence in the decision-making abilities of doctors, nurses, parents, and grandparents. “I don’t think there’s one government policy that directs all of these vaccines,” he explained. “Local policy, local schools—what Florida did is too far if they want to have requirements. But what about common sense? A little common sense would go a long way here.”
Recently, Florida officials announced the cessation of vaccination mandates for school children.
Former President Trump, who has shown support for Kennedy, expressed some reservations regarding Florida’s decision last Friday.
