Bennet Presses Sec. Kennedy to Admit Safety of Measles Vaccine and Commit to Supporting It

Apr 22, 2026 | Press Releases

Video of Bennet's Full Line of Questioning is Available HERE

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet questioned U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. today during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Kennedy's long-standing skepticism of childhood vaccines amidst the largest measles outbreak in over thirty years.

Bennet pressed Kennedy to admit on the record that the measles vaccine is effective and the strongest way to prevent outbreaks. He demanded that Kennedy make clear his position on the measles vaccine and communicate his new-found support directly to the American people.

"Do you realize that last year the United States had the highest number of measles cases in 30 years? […] Let me ask you, are you taking the position as your CDC director has taken, that the measles vaccine is vital to keeping American children healthy in this country? Are you taking that position today? That has not been your position," asked Bennet.

"That's my position. We promote the measles vaccine," responded Kennedy.

Last year, Colorado recorded 36 confirmed measles cases, reflecting a sharp increase after years of limited spread. In just the first four months of 2026, the state has already reported 16 additional cases. All but one 2026 case has involved unvaccinated individuals, with most infections occurring in children. His questioning also comes as the 2025-26 Colorado flu season has seen a severe surge affecting children, with multiple pediatric deaths reported and high rates of hospitalization.

Bennet also emphasized that the U.S. should be leading the world in public health, but since Kennedy took office, childhood deaths from preventable diseases have skyrocketed.

"I think everybody on this dais believes that the United States of America ought to be leading in these matters. That's why we're so discouraged by your cuts to NIH, because that's going to make it harder for us to lead. That's why we are so discouraged by your cuts to Medicaid that are making it impossible to invest in rural America," said Bennet in testimony to Kennedy.

Bennet has constantly fought against Kennedy's anti-health and anti-science agenda. In March 2025, Bennet joined 12 of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Kennedy to demand HHS reverse changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) websites that promote false and dangerous information about autism.

In September 2025, he questioned Kennedy during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on his actions undermining vaccine safety and access for American families. Bennet also joined members of the Senate Finance Committee in issuing a statement calling on Kennedy to resign due to the danger he poses to America's health, his lies to Congress, and his spread of disinformation.

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