Hawaii's Democratic Governor and practicing physician, Josh Green, is currently in Washington, D.C., lobbying against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary. Green, who has a background in emergency room medicine, has been vocal about his concerns regarding Kennedy's potential appointment.
Green's opposition to Kennedy stems from the latter's anti-vaccine views, particularly highlighted during a measles outbreak in Samoa in 2019. Kennedy's past actions, including promoting doubts about vaccine efficacy and discouraging vaccination efforts, have raised red flags for Green and other lawmakers.
During his visit to Capitol Hill, Green emphasized the importance of selecting a suitable candidate for the HHS Secretary role, stating that Kennedy's appointment would not align with ensuring the safety of children. Green's efforts to sway lawmakers against Kennedy's confirmation have gained traction, with Senator Bill Cassidy also expressing reservations about Kennedy's stance on vaccines.
Despite Kennedy's team not responding to requests for comment, Kennedy has previously stated that he did not advise against vaccination and expressed support for vaccines like the polio vaccine. Proponents of Kennedy's nomination have defended his proposed policies as being grounded in logic and science, advocating for evidence-based changes to healthcare policy.
Green's advocacy against Kennedy's nomination has been underscored by his commitment to public health and vaccine safety. In a recent op-ed for The New York Times, Green reiterated his concerns about entrusting Kennedy with leading health programs, emphasizing the critical role vaccines play in safeguarding children's lives.
As the debate over Kennedy's potential confirmation continues, Green's lobbying efforts in Washington serve as a testament to his dedication to promoting evidence-based healthcare practices and protecting public health.
