RFK Jr. Defends $16 Billion HHS Budget Cuts Before Congress

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways & Means and Appropriations committees on April 16, 2026, to defend a proposed 2027 budget that cuts nearly $16 billion from the Department of Health and Human Services. The proposed 12.5% reduction includes a $5 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health. Kennedy cited the $39 trillion national debt as the reason for the cuts, though he expressed dissatisfaction with reductions to nutrition programs like WIC and SNAP.

During the hearings, Kennedy promoted his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) initiative, focusing on whole foods, lower drug prices, and removing artificial food dyes. However, Democratic lawmakers pressed him on a surge of preventable diseases, noting nearly 4,000 measles cases in 2025 and 2026, including two childhood deaths in Texas. Representatives criticized Kennedy for suspending pro-vaccine messaging campaigns and reducing childhood vaccine recommendations, such as the hepatitis B shot at birth. Kennedy stated that vaccines like the measles shot are safe and effective, but he faced scrutiny over his lack of medical credentials.

The proceedings included sharp exchanges, with Representative Linda T. Sánchez criticizing Kennedy for allegedly using taxpayer funds for personal leisure activities while cutting public health messaging. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Dr. Erika Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Republicans generally praised Kennedy's focus on nutrition and the elimination of waste and fraud within the agency.