Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appearance before Congress marked his first since assuming leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He faced a dual challenge, appearing before both the House and Senate in separate committee hearings. While the primary focus of his testimony revolved around the upcoming HHS budget, Kennedy, known for his environmental advocacy, also encountered intense questioning regarding the administration’s contested budget and staffing reductions, alongside his perspectives on vaccination and abortion.
During his appearance before the House Appropriations Committee, Kennedy was repeatedly probed about the Trump White House’s actions to unilaterally suspend or cancel funding that had been previously allocated to the federal government by the prior Congress. Although he affirmed his commitment to adhering to the law and disbursing the funds appropriated to HHS, Kennedy also attempted to justify Trump’s cuts in some instances. He assured the committee that he had safeguarded and would continue to safeguard essential programs, such as Head Start and those focused on tribal health, from current and future budget constraints.
Kennedy’s testimony also included controversial statements. When queried about his plans to enhance the health of Native Americans, he identified ultra-processed food as a significant factor contributing to their poorer health outcomes, labeling it "a genocide on the American Indian."
In response to Representative Robert Aderholt’s question about advancing the pro-life agenda, Kennedy asserted that "every abortion is a tragedy." He further touted HHS’s decision to curtail federal funding to overseas programs that fund, provide, or counsel on abortions, reinstating the "global gag rule."
Kennedy characterized the recent HHS funding and staffing cuts as a "rescaling" of the agency and its priorities. However, Representative Rosa DeLauro countered by pointing out that this rescaling had resulted in billions of dollars in cuts. According to a report by the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Minority Staff, the Trump administration had terminated at least $13.5 billion in health funding since taking office, including 1,660 grants awarded by HHS.
Kennedy also oversaw the planned elimination of 20,000 jobs and the closure of over a dozen agencies within HHS, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). He and other officials justified these cuts as part of a restructuring, with the responsibilities of SAMHSA and other shuttered agencies being consolidated within a new organization called the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA).
However, this restructuring is currently on hold due to a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston as part of an ongoing lawsuit filed against HHS by several union and public health organizations.
Representative Watson Coleman questioned Kennedy about how the elimination of agencies and programs related to minority health would address existing disparities among Americans. Kennedy responded by claiming that "Trump’s vision for the country is the same as Martin Luther King Jr.’s."
Kennedy declined to answer whether he would vaccinate his children against polio and chickenpox, citing his personal opinion as irrelevant and stating that he did not want to be perceived as providing medical advice. He did mention that he would likely vaccinate them against measles. Kennedy has a history of misrepresenting the safety of vaccines, particularly the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, and has continued to make false statements about vaccines during his time at HHS.
"We are doing a better job at CDC today than any nation in the world controlling this measles outbreak," Kennedy claimed. While it is true that many parts of the world are experiencing a resurgence of measles, the current outbreaks in the U.S., with over 1,000 cases, are the worst the country has seen since 2019. Experts warn that measles is on the verge of returning to the U.S. permanently.
Kennedy’s appearance before Congress was marked by intense scrutiny of his policies and statements, particularly regarding budget cuts, vaccine safety, and his overall vision for HHS. His remarks sparked controversy and drew criticism from lawmakers and public health advocates. The future direction of HHS under Kennedy’s leadership remains uncertain, given the legal challenges and ongoing debates surrounding his policies. The congressional hearings highlighted the deep divisions and challenges facing the agency as it navigates complex issues related to public health and healthcare access. Kennedy’s ability to address these challenges effectively will be crucial in determining the success of his tenure as head of HHS. The hearings also underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in government, particularly when it comes to matters that directly affect the health and well-being of the American public.
