Vaccines, budget cuts and affordability: Takeaways from RFK Jr.’s gauntlet of congressional hearings
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the proposed 2027 budget, which includes significant cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, during a series of congressional hearings. Kennedy faced criticism from Democrats over the cuts and his stance on vaccination rates.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concluded a series of congressional hearings, defending President Donald Trump's proposed 2027 budget. The budget includes a 12% cut to Kennedy's Department of Health and Human Services, which Kennedy acknowledged as "painful" but necessary to address the federal government's $39 trillion deficit. Kennedy faced intense questioning from Democrats over the cuts and vaccination rates. He deflected blame for measles outbreaks, citing a global rise in cases and attributing declining vaccination rates to lost trust in government recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kennedy disputed accusations of being anti-vaccine, claiming to be "pro-science". Experts criticized Kennedy's assertion that there are no Medicaid cuts, calling it "politicized framing". The Congressional Budget Office estimates Medicaid outlays will increase by 47% over the next decade, but experts say this reflects factors like inflation and population growth, not a lack of cuts.
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