Sen. Scott Questions Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. at Confirmation Hearing

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, questioned Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Senator Scott and Mr. Kennedy discussed a range of topics, including the Right to Life, Sickle Cell Disease, and preventing and reducing drug shortages. 

Excerpts from Senator Scott’s questioning can be found below:

Watch the full video here.

On the Right to Life…

“One of the beauties of our country is we have foundational documents that point us in the right direction. I think it’s the compass of shows us true north…The Declaration of Independence mentions life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as unalienable rights. You and I had a serious conversation about the importance of life. And I’m a pro-life Christian, as you know… And you assured me that your deputies were going to be pro-life. Is that still the case?”

On Sickle Cell Disease…

“During the first Trump administration, HHS began investing in policies to support individuals living with Sickle Cell Anemia. This has continued. A career staff person has dedicated time to coordinate Sickle Cell Disease related activities across HHS and other government agencies. Will you commit to continuing to have an individual serve in this coordinating role for sickle cell?”

On preventing and reducing drug shortages…

“This past fall, due to one facility making the majority of our IV drugs in the U.S., it was devastated by Hurricane Helene. Hospitals and health care facilities across the country faced IV shortages. Nephron Pharmaceuticals in Columbia, South Carolina, tried to shore up IV support in South Carolina hospitals by creating the Palmetto Line in this facility to help make IVs for hospitals across the state. We must do more proactively to address the shortages and the shortage risks, as well as to provide and promote the production of medical products here in the U.S. If confirmed, how will you prioritize efforts to prevent and reduce drug shortages, including for essential medicines?”

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