HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Faces House Scrutiny Over 2026 Budget, Vaccine Panel Changes

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning from Democratic lawmakers during a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing on the HHS fiscal year 2026 budget. Democrats criticized Kennedy for lacking transparency, particularly regarding the firing of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and cuts to critical programs such as HIV prevention research. Kennedy denied making false promises during his confirmation, defended the restructuring and funding changes within HHS, and accused some lawmakers of being influenced by pharmaceutical industry contributions. Despite criticism from Democrats labeling his vaccine oversight changes as 'anti-science,' Kennedy received some praise from House Republicans for his efforts to address chronic disease and reduce federal health spending. Kennedy also appeared unaware of the Department of Government Efficiency's "defend the spend" initiative affecting agency grants. The hearing highlighted sharp partisan divides over Kennedy's leadership and policy direction at HHS.