Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny during a three-hour House hearing on June 24 as lawmakers pressed him on his proposed 2026 Health and Human Services (HHS) budget, sparking fierce debate over vaccine policy, agency restructuring, and funding priorities.
Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey confronted Kennedy over what he called an “anti-science agenda,” criticizing his overhaul of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Kennedy defended firing ACIP members due to conflicts with the pharmaceutical industry, but later retracted a sharp accusation about Pallone’s campaign contributions after pushback from other lawmakers.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sharply questioned Kennedy on his department’s approval of increased Medicare Advantage payments to private insurers like UnitedHealthcare, despite reports of a federal investigation into the company. Kennedy, unaware of the investigation, faced criticism for a lack of oversight despite managing Medicare programs.
Louisiana Democrat Troy Carter raised alarm over cuts to HIV research, pointing to studies halted due to reduced funding. Kennedy responded by citing the $7.5 billion spent annually on HIV initiatives, but his comment—“show me one life”—sparked a tense exchange with Carter, who emphasized the real-world consequences of funding cuts.
Despite criticism, Kennedy stood firm on his mission to restructure the department. He said merging agencies under a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA) would reduce bureaucracy and improve outcomes. Kennedy stressed that America’s ballooning $4.5 trillion health budget must be spent more efficiently, not increased without accountability.