Senator Seeks Investigation of RFK Jr Over Samoa Trip Claims
Listen to the story
A US senator has called for a criminal investigation into Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the country's top health official.
The call follows a report by the Guardian newspaper about statements Kennedy made during his confirmation hearings.
During those hearings, Kennedy said a trip he took to Samoa had nothing to do with vaccines.
The Samoa trip has been widely discussed because of a serious measles outbreak that happened there in 2019.
New documents obtained by the Guardian appear to contradict what Kennedy told Congress.
According to the report, these documents suggest his statement about the trip was not accurate.
The senator now believes Kennedy may have provided false information during a formal hearing, which could be treated as a serious offence.
In the US, lying under oath to Congress can lead to legal consequences.
The senator has therefore asked for a formal investigation into whether Kennedy broke the law.
This request adds pressure on Kennedy, who already faces criticism over his views on vaccines.
He has not yet responded publicly to the new documents or the senator's demand.
It remains unclear whether an investigation will actually be opened.
The situation continues to develop, and more details may come out soon.
This case has drawn wide attention because Kennedy holds a powerful position in the government.
Vocabulary10 words
- criminal investigation
- an official check to see if a law was broken
- confirmation hearings
- official questioning before someone starts a top job
- measles outbreak
- when many people suddenly get the measles illness
- hearing
- an official meeting where people answer questions
- contradict
- to say something different from what was said before
- oath
- a serious promise to tell the truth
- offence
- an act that breaks the law
- position
- a job or role, often an important one
- documents
- official written papers
- senator
- an elected member of the US government
Quiz
Answer key
1. A criminal investigation into Kennedy 2. It had nothing to do with vaccines 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A US senator has called for a criminal _____ into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The call follows a _____ by the Guardian newspaper.
During confirmation hearings, Kennedy said his Samoa trip had nothing to do with _____.
The trip has been discussed because of a serious measles _____ in 2019.
New _____ obtained by the Guardian appear to contradict his statement.
The senator believes Kennedy may have given false information during a formal _____.
Lying under _____ to Congress can lead to legal trouble.
The senator has asked for a formal _____ into the matter.
Kennedy has not yet _____ publicly to the claims.
It remains unclear whether an investigation will be _____.
Discussion questions
- Why might confirmation hearings be important for public trust in officials?
- What responsibilities do officials have when answering questions in hearings?
- Why do you think this story has attracted so much attention?
- How might this situation affect Kennedy's role going forward?
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