RFK Jr. Defends 12% Health Budget Cuts in Seven Congressional Hearings

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrapped up a marathon week of congressional testimony, appearing before lawmakers seven times in seven days to defend the White House budget proposal.

The proposed budget includes cuts of more than 12% to the Department of Health and Human Services, which would slash spending on medical research and public health programs. Kennedy faced tough questions from Democrats about his well-known skeptical views on vaccines and ongoing shakeups at health agencies.

This marked Kennedy's first time testifying before Congress since September, before he was confirmed as Health Secretary. Lawmakers grilled him on how the budget cuts would affect programs that monitor vaccine safety, prevent disease outbreaks, and provide healthcare through Medicaid.

The hearings highlighted the political battle over health policy under the new administration. Democrats expressed concern that reduced funding could weaken the government's ability to respond to future health emergencies and conduct crucial medical research.

Kennedy defended the budget proposal as necessary fiscal responsibility while dodging some specific questions about vaccine policies and agency restructuring plans.