US Edition
RFK Jr. Defends Trump Budget Cuts, Vaccines and Medicaid in Congress
Kennedy said the budget would cut more than 12% from Health and Human Services, while he disputed estimates of nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts.
- On Wednesday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concluded budget hearings defending President Donald Trump's proposed 2027 budget, which seeks a more than 12% cut to the more than $100 billion HHS budget, including $5 billion from the National Institutes.
- Kennedy acknowledged the cuts were "painful" but said they were necessary to address the federal government's record $39 trillion deficit, a justification that drew concern from lawmakers across both parties about reduced funding for programs and research.
- Regarding Medicaid, Kennedy argued new work requirements do not constitute cuts, citing Congressional Budget Office data showing outlays increasing by about 47% over the next decade; experts dispute this analysis, saying it ignores inflation and population growth.
- Lawmakers pressed Kennedy on declining childhood vaccination rates and measles outbreaks over the past year, which he attributed to lost trust during the COVID-19 pandemic; Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina credited his leadership, saying "We would not be on the right side of this outbreak without your leadership."
- Disputing accusations that he is anti-vaccine, Kennedy described himself as "pro-science" and urged focus on HHS initiatives beyond vaccines, part of a broader administration pivot toward less controversial health topics like nutrition.
50 Articles
50 Articles
Vaccines, budget cuts, and affordability: Takeaways from RFK Jr.’s gauntlet of congressional hearings - The Boston Globe
In his testimony to various committees over multiple days this week and last, Kennedy was tasked with defending President Trump’s proposed 2027 budget.
RFK Jr. defends vaccine guidance changes and health spending cuts
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was back testifying on Capitol Hill, giving members of Congress a chance to press him on some of the biggest changes he's making on spending cuts, vaccines and other public health issues. Lisa Desjardins reports.
RFK Jr. says NIH cuts are 'painful,' won't commit to backing CDC director's vaccine guidance
(WASHINGTON) -- Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was pressed on cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vaccine messaging and the firing of the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during a hearing on Tuesday.
RFK Jr. faces series of contentious congressional hearings
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced lawmakers on Capitol Hill in a series of seven congressional hearings, covering a range of topics from vaccine guidance to videos of the secretary with Kid Rock. CNN’s Meg Tirrell reports.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
