What were the main concerns raised during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearing for HHS Secretary?

The primary concerns during Kennedy's confirmation hearing centered on his controversial public statements about vaccine safety. Senators from both parties questioned his past claims suggesting links between vaccines and childhood autism, despite scientific evidence debunking such connections. Kennedy's history of questioning vaccine safety and rejecting established scientific consensus became the focal point of scrutiny. His appointment as HHS Secretary raised significant concerns about potential impacts on public health policy and vaccine guidance under his leadership. The close 52-48 confirmation vote reflected the contentious nature of his appointment, with lawmakers worried about how his vaccine skepticism might influence national health policies and public trust in immunization programs.