RFK Jr. Faces Tough Questions on Health Department Funding Cuts in Recent Congressional Hearing

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently faced tough questions from lawmakers during his third congressional hearing in a week. This time, the focus was on President Trump’s proposed 2026 budget cuts, which aim to shrink the federal government.

Senators expressed shock at the deep cuts that would impact programs like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who leads the subcommittee, voiced her concerns about eliminating NIOSH programs. She believes that cutting such programs would not help achieve the government’s goals.

Senator Mike Rounds also weighed in, worried about NIOSH staff reductions and cuts to mining safety grants. He emphasized that these cuts could hinder national security efforts tied to mineral independence and supply chain resilience. In response, Kennedy acknowledged the importance of protecting workers, stating he was open to working with senators on the issue.

The hearing heated up as Senator Tammy Baldwin challenged Kennedy about funding for research on diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. Their exchange turned tense, with Baldwin stressing that this issue is very serious, not just a game, as Kennedy sarcastically suggested when time expired.

Senator Patty Murray also clashed with Kennedy while questioning cuts to childcare programs. Murray wanted to know who made the decision to withhold funds, but Kennedy redirected the conversation, leading to further frustration. He ultimately revealed that his department was responsible for the cuts.

Interestingly, while Democrats were critical of Kennedy’s agenda, some Republicans supported his stance. Senator John Kennedy (no relation) noted that some Democrats would never be satisfied with his decisions. Meanwhile, Senator Markwayne Mullin thanked Kennedy for his commitment to taxpayers.

The proposed budget aims to reduce funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by 26%. This would heavily affect key health services, including a nearly $18 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) compared to 2025. Senator Collins stressed that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is vital for many individuals.

Moreover, Kennedy addressed concerns about a recent measles outbreak, confirming that vaccination is crucial for prevention. Despite facing criticism as an anti-vaccine advocate, he claimed the U.S. is effectively managing measles better than many other nations. This claim comes amid over 1,000 reported measles cases in the U.S. so far this year.

The HHS is also undergoing significant changes, planning to cut its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees. This reorganization is aimed at improving efficiency within the department.

For more details on public health funding trends, you can check the latest reports from trusted sources like the CDC and NIH.

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