RFK Jr. questioned in Senate hearing on CDC leadership, vaccine policies

President Donald Trump's administration has decided to abandon a previous mandate requiring airlines to compensate passengers in cash for flight disruptions caused by the carriers themselves. Meanwhile, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny in a Senate Finance Committee hearing over his controversial handling of federal health agencies, including the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez and efforts to overhaul vaccine policies amid concerns about public trust in vaccines. Kennedy criticized past CDC pandemic responses and defended his actions despite bipartisan concerns, with Democrats accusing him of weakening public health protections and Republicans pressing him on vaccine safety. In related political developments, House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned Republican efforts to defund local police even as President Trump emphasizes a tough-on-crime stance, including deploying National Guard troops to cities like Washington and threatening similar actions elsewhere. Jeffries urged increased support and resources for law enforcement to effectively maintain community safety, highlighting the political tension surrounding crime policies. Additionally, Senator Ron Wyden directly questioned Kennedy about the circumstances around the CDC director's dismissal and alleged pressure on vaccine advisory panels, which Kennedy denied.