Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, will testify before Congress on Wednesday, facing questions regarding his recent decisions on mass employee firings and the ongoing measles outbreak. This will be his first testimony since taking office earlier this year.
Kennedy is expected to appear before the House Appropriations Committee to discuss the proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year, as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Lawmakers will focus on his actions to reduce the size of the federal workforce, including layoffs at key health agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Since his confirmation in February, Kennedy has been implementing a significant restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). His efforts to reduce staffing levels are seen as a continuation of former President Donald Trump’s strategy to shrink the federal workforce. Kennedy’s proposed budget cuts include an $18 billion reduction in NIH funding and a $3.6 billion cut for the CDC. These cuts have raised concerns among public health advocates about the long-term impact on the nation’s health infrastructure.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Kennedy is expected to defend these cuts, arguing that they are necessary to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancies within HHS. He has stated that addressing chronic diseases and identifying environmental factors contributing to autism are his top priorities. However, these budget reductions have led to strong pushback from both public health officials and some lawmakers.
Kennedy’s stance on vaccines will also be a key point of discussion. Over the years, Kennedy has questioned the safety and efficacy of vaccines, a position that has earned him both supporters and critics. During the current measles outbreak, which has infected over 1,000 people—primarily those who are unvaccinated—and resulted in three deaths, Kennedy has been criticized for not strongly endorsing the vaccine.
The outbreak has raised alarms within the medical community, with many experts warning that it could spread further if vaccination rates do not increase. Critics argue that Kennedy’s historical skepticism about vaccines undermines efforts to combat the outbreak effectively.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor and Republican Chair of the HELP Committee, played a crucial role in Kennedy’s confirmation. Despite his concerns over Kennedy’s anti-vaccine views, Cassidy ultimately supported his nomination after Kennedy promised to protect vaccine access and work closely with the committee. At Wednesday’s hearing, Cassidy will seek direct reassurance from Kennedy on his commitment to ensuring public health and vaccine access.
Cassidy’s prepared remarks suggest that the committee’s focus will be on reassuring the public that Kennedy’s proposed reforms will not compromise public health. He is expected to tell Kennedy that people instinctively fear change, even when it’s for the better, but that these fears must be addressed with a clearly defined plan.
Meanwhile, Kennedy has faced growing criticism from some quarters, including social media attacks from far-right activist Laura Loomer, who has previously targeted other Trump administration officials. Loomer’s criticisms of Kennedy may contribute to the growing scrutiny he faces as he navigates his role as Health Secretary.
Kennedy’s personal actions have also come under the spotlight. Recently, he was photographed swimming with his grandchildren in Washington’s Rock Creek, despite the National Park Service’s ban on swimming due to high bacteria levels in the water. Critics have raised concerns over the public health implications of such actions, particularly given Kennedy’s position as the head of the nation’s health department.
The upcoming hearing will provide Kennedy an opportunity to address these concerns directly. His ability to reassure lawmakers and the public about his vision for HHS reforms and public health priorities could play a critical role in shaping his tenure as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy’s leadership will continue to be under intense scrutiny, particularly as he works to balance fiscal responsibility with the demands of public health. How he handles the ongoing measles outbreak and implements his proposed reforms will likely determine his effectiveness in this high-profile role.
