Overview
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who began a week of hearings Thursday, submitted testimony that highlights nutrition and drug pricing while skipping his vaccine overhaul after White House aides urged a shift to less divisive topics.
- Democrats blamed his vaccine skepticism for a surge in measles cases and at least one recent death, pressed him on ending CDC pro-vaccine messaging, and cited his viral Kid Rock video as proof of misplaced priorities; Kennedy said it was “possible” the measles shot could have saved a Texas child.
- The administration’s 2027 plan seeks about $111 billion for HHS, a 12.5% cut that includes a $5 billion reduction to the National Institutes of Health, drawing resistance from both parties, including Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins.
- A federal judge last month put key vaccine changes on hold after HHS moved to cut routine childhood shots from 17 to 11 and advisers voted to drop the universal newborn hepatitis B dose, with CDC web edits fueling concerns about undermining vaccine safety.
- The White House has curbed Kennedy’s autonomy by elevating senior adviser Chris Klomp to oversee priorities, as HHS faces agency turmoil, canceled grants, and a CDC still lacking a permanent director heading into the midterms.