RFK Jr. Proposes 12% HHS Budget Cut Despite Health Equity Warnings

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before House committees last week to defend his proposed 12% budget reduction to the Department of Health and Human Services. The cuts have drawn sharp criticism from healthcare advocates who warn they would worsen racial health disparities and gut infectious disease funding.

Republican lawmakers largely praised Kennedy's performance during the marathon hearings. However, some GOP members raised concerns about proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health, which funds medical research across the country.

Healthcare groups argue the budget reductions would disproportionately harm communities of color and low-income families who rely on federal health programs. They warn that cutting infectious disease funding could leave the country vulnerable to future health emergencies.

Kennedy appeared before the House Education and Workforce Committee as part of congressional budget hearings. He defended the cuts as necessary fiscal responsibility while facing questions about their potential impact on public health programs.