Senators will soon have the opportunity to directly question Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following a high-profile upheaval at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kennedy is slated to appear before the Senate Finance Committee on September 4, amid swirling controversy and dramatic shifts within the prominent health agency.

This testimony, confirmed by sources who spoke to POLITICO on condition of anonymity, comes after the unexpected dismissal of CDC Director Susan Monarez by the White House. The move has sparked significant fallout, with three top CDC officials resigning immediately after Monarez’s departure became public. The shakeup has drawn fierce criticism from numerous Democratic leaders, notably Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, who expressed grave concerns about Kennedy's leadership, labeling it a "grave error."

The upcoming Senate hearing, which is expected to be officially announced later on Thursday, will primarily focus on President Donald Trump’s health policies. It will mark Kennedy's first face-to-face interaction with senators since his last testimony in May regarding the fiscal 2026 budget request for his department.

During a recent interview on Fox News, Kennedy defended the recent actions at the CDC, hinting at necessary reforms within the agency. "The agency is in trouble, and we need to fix it," Kennedy stated, emphasizing the potential need for further personnel changes without delving into specific details.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), chair of the HELP Committee and a member of the Finance panel, has also voiced the need for oversight following the CDC's leadership crisis. Cassidy highlighted the importance of addressing these "high profile departures" to maintain the integrity and functionality of the health agency.

As the Senate prepares for this critical session, all eyes will be on Kennedy, whose decisions and leadership are now under intense scrutiny. The hearing promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the direction of U.S. public health policy under the Trump administration.