RFK Jr. defends Trump's 12% health budget cuts in first congressional hearing
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before Congress on Thursday to defend President Trump's plan to cut his department's budget by more than 12 percent. This was RFK Jr.'s first congressional hearing this year about the 2027 budget request.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced lawmakers on Capitol Hill Thursday in his first congressional appearance this year. He defended President Trump's 2027 budget proposal that would slash federal health agency funding by more than 12 percent.
The budget cuts target what the administration calls "bloated, woke and inefficient programs" within the Department of Health and Human Services. The hearings are officially about the budget request, but lawmakers are expected to grill RFK Jr. on his health policies and controversial vaccine positions.
This marks the beginning of what's being called a "hearing palooza" - a string of congressional sessions where RFK Jr. will face questions about his record as health secretary. The budget proposal represents a significant reduction in federal health spending at a time when many Americans depend on government health programs.
RFK Jr. has been a polarizing figure since taking the role, bringing his long-held skeptical views about vaccines and traditional public health approaches to the nation's top health job.
These budget cuts could affect federal health programs that millions of Americans rely on. The hearings will also spotlight RFK Jr.'s controversial views on vaccines and other health policies that could change how the government approaches public health.
More congressional hearings are scheduled where RFK Jr. will continue defending the budget cuts and his health policies.
Was this article helpful?
0 people found this helpful