Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny Thursday as Democrats grilled him over a measles outbreak that has infected more than 1,700 Americans this year, with Republicans defending his controversial approach to reshaping federal health policy amid proposed $16 billion budget cuts.
Heated Exchange Over Child Deaths
During testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee, Kennedy confronted direct questions about an unvaccinated child who died from measles during a Texas outbreak. When California Democrat Linda Sánchez asked whether the measles vaccine could have saved the child’s life, Kennedy acknowledged, “It’s possible – certainly.” The exchange highlighted growing concerns as the United States recorded more than 2,200 measles cases last year, threatening to surpass that total in 2026.
Democrats pressed Kennedy on his priorities, including the CDC’s decision to end a public awareness campaign promoting flu vaccines. California Representative Sánchez questioned why taxpayer dollars funded a controversial promotional video showing Kennedy and Kid Rock shirtless in a hot tub rather than vaccine education. Kennedy defended his record, declaring the agency is “ending the era of federal policies that fueled the chronic disease epidemic.”
Budget Cuts Target Nutrition Programs
The Trump administration’s proposed budget would slash the Department of Health and Human Services funding by 12.5 percent. Wisconsin Democrat Gwen Moore challenged Kennedy on substantial cuts to nutrition assistance programs WIC and SNAP, questioning how reduced food support aligns with his stated goals to combat childhood chronic disease. Kennedy admitted he was “not happy” with the proposed reductions, though he continues pushing to establish a new Administration for a Healthy America by reorganizing his department.
Republican Support Amid Controversy
Republicans on the committee gave Kennedy a mostly warm reception, focusing questions on Medicare fraud prevention and rural healthcare access. The Health Secretary highlighted his agency’s work on drug price negotiations and new dietary guidelines while sidestepping criticism of his vaccine policies. Courts currently block his efforts to overhaul childhood vaccine schedules. California Democrat Mike Thompson warned that “kids have died because measles is running rampant under your watch,” calling Kennedy’s positions “dangerous conspiracy theories” that undermine safe vaccines. Kennedy was scheduled to testify before another House committee later Thursday.
