The Senate Finance Committee’s hearing featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked heated exchanges over vaccine policy and government transparency, and one Texas physician is praising Kennedy’s performance. Dr. Richard Bartlett, a practicing emergency room doctor and former member of Texas Governor Rick Perry’s healthcare task force, joined AM 560’s Chicago’s Morning Answer to weigh in.
Kennedy vs. Senators
Kennedy clashed with Democrats and Republicans alike over the makeup of federal vaccine advisory panels, the push for booster shots, and what he argued was a lack of transparency from public health agencies. He pressed officials to disclose data in advance and criticized the federal government’s COVID response, from mask mandates for children to prolonged school closures. Bartlett said Kennedy “spoke facts,” remained independent, and had credibility because he has “never received a penny” from pharmaceutical companies. By contrast, he pointed to large campaign contributions accepted by senators such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
Conflict of Interest and COVID Lessons
Bartlett argued that financial conflicts of interest cannot be ignored, noting that in medicine he is required to disclose any outside payments before teaching other doctors. He said those same standards should apply to policymakers overseeing vaccine policy. Reflecting on the COVID pandemic, Bartlett criticized what he described as “lies” from the CDC, including early claims that vaccinated individuals could not contract the virus. He argued that senators in positions of authority during the pandemic failed to hold public health officials accountable for school closures and other disruptive measures.
The Debate on School Vaccine Mandates
The question of school vaccination schedules was another focal point. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet warned that relaxing mandates could lead to more outbreaks of measles or mumps. Bartlett, who treated patients during a major measles outbreak in West Texas, said Kennedy’s approach has been consistent—vaccines like MMR remain available for those who want them, but mandates should end. He noted that during the Texas outbreak, Kennedy supported deploying measles vaccines as part of a broad public health response, evidence that he is not “anti-vaccine” but instead pro-choice on medical decisions.
Criticism of CDC Leadership
Bartlett also pushed back on former CDC official Dr. Susan Monz, who warned that efforts to restructure vaccine advisory committees amounted to sabotage. He said Monz, who holds a PhD rather than a medical license, “never treated a patient” and failed to provide leadership during either the measles outbreak or the COVID crisis. Instead, Bartlett said Kennedy has consistently emphasized following the scientific method, demanding clinical trials and evidence before making recommendations.
Looking Ahead
Florida’s recent announcement that it will seek to eliminate all vaccine mandates has added fuel to the national debate. Bartlett said the public is ready for a change after years of what he described as failed policies and political posturing. For him, Kennedy represents a sharp contrast: “He’s kept his promises, he’s following the science, and he’s not bought and paid for.”