FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—Sen. Ted Cruz supplied a full-throated endorsement to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s decide to steer the Division of Well being and Human Providers.
“I’m going to vote for Bobby Kennedy, as a result of I believe he’s a change agent who has the braveness to tackle a few of the corruption at HHS,” the Texas Republican instructed The Day by day Sign in a press release Friday.
“Bobby Kennedy goes to shake up the cronyism that has characterised HHS,” Cruz added. “Moreover, loads of People are involved in regards to the rise in continual sickness, and I believe Bobby Kennedy is an excellent particular person to take that on.”
Cronyism entails the promotion or appointment of pals and associates to positions of authority, with out regard for his or her {qualifications}. It refers to a type of corruption through which bureaucrats favor their very own pursuits above the pursuits of the individuals.
Kennedy testified earlier than the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Well being, Training, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
He famous that many American youngsters and adults are taking psychological well being medicines, corresponding to Adderall, benzodiazepines (like Xanax), and SSRIs (like Prozac), contending that the US has an overmedication downside. “Fifteen % of American youth at the moment are on Adderall or another [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder] medicines, even larger percentages are on SSRIs and benzos,” Kennedy mentioned on the listening to.
Kennedy mentioned he didn’t need to “take meals away from anyone,” noting Trump’s consumption of Weight loss plan Coke and McDonald’s menu objects. But he insisted that People ought to “know what the impacts are on your loved ones and in your well being.” He additional harassed that federal well being applications, such because the Supplemental Diet Help Program—higher often known as meals stamps—shouldn’t be subsidizing sugary mushy drinks.
Make America Wholesome Once more
Kennedy has led a “Make America Wholesome Once more” motion, merging his considerations about what’s making People sick with Trump’s ambition to “Make America Nice Once more.”
In his Aug. 23 speech endorsing Trump, RFK Jr. targeted on the “continual illness epidemic”—together with ever-higher charges, even amongst youngsters, of Sort II diabetes and weight problems, and of Alzheimer’s, which some now consult with as “Sort III diabetes.”
He condemned “insidious corruption” on the federal companies supposed to assist People dwell wholesome lives: the Meals and Drug Administration, the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, HHS, and the U.S. Division of Agriculture.
Kennedy claimed that an unholy alliance of industries, company media, authorities companies, and nonprofits has been undermining People’ capability to be wholesome. He claimed this cartel has gaslit the general public by declaring struggle on dietary fat, selling carbohydrates within the so-called meals pyramid, and subsidizing high-calorie crops with much less dietary worth.
These interventions have promoted a meals atmosphere that leaves People fatter, sicker, and fewer nourished of the vitamins they really want, RFK Jr. maintained.
Cruz, a stalwart champion of low cost, dependable power and pro-life causes, didn’t handle considerations that some conservatives have expressed about Kennedy’s previous opposition to fossil fuels and help for abortion.
Kennedy pledged to uphold conscience protections if confirmed.