Kennedy announces policy changes and faces criticism at House hearings

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced criticism of his vaccine policy at two House committee hearings about the proposed budget for the Department of Health and Human Services.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced blistering criticism from Democrats over his vaccine policy and overhaul of federal health agencies at two House committee hearings Thursday.

Subscribe to read this story ad-free

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

Both hearings were about the proposed budget for the Department of Health and Human Services next year. The department’s funding request includes a $15.8 billion reduction from this year, for a total of $111.1 billion.

Kennedy has said he intends to consolidate some of the health agencies within HHS and strengthen their focus on disease prevention.