Elon Musk, through his DOGE project, has provided the framework for cost reductions that are reformed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as observed by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The implemented changes have been done under Kennedy’s direction, who also admitted to rejecting some reductions while restoring several mistakingly eliminated plans.
During two congressional committee hearings—one in the House Appropriations Committee and the other in the Senate HELP (Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions) Committee—Kennedy underwent rigorous questioning. Much attention was drawn towards President Trump’s proposed 2026 fiscal budget. Despite the spotlight on this subject, various other issues—such as the initiative on autism research headed by Kennedy, a measles breakout in western Texas, and the extensive reorganization within HHS triggering over 20,000 staff layoffs or voluntary early retirements—were also raised.
Broadly speaking, Kennedy defended the large-scale alterations made within his department, however, occasionally admitting to the reversal of certain changes on an individual basis. In line with President Trump’s plans, Kennedy is continuing to follow the roadmap which includes further billions in HHS budget cuts. Acknowledging the gravity of these actions, he admitted these changes will be ‘difficult’ to weather.
In a dialogue with Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the leading Democrat within the House Appropriations Committee, Kennedy underscored the power vested in the House of Representatives concerning financial decisions. Rep. DeLauro thanked him but accused him of illegal seizure of appropriated funds by the Trump administration during the current fiscal year. ‘Your authority doesn’t extend to such actions,’ she remarked.
Members of the Republicans on the panel adopted a softer approach in their queries. Still, the Senate HELP committee’s head, Sen. Bill Cassidy, insisted that Kennedy enhances cooperation with the congress. In his opening remarks, Cassidy, a physician himself, emphasized the priority of formulating an effective plan for the HHS to perform statutory duties while enhancing transparency and ensuring an effective crackdown on wasteful expenditures.
Cassidy went on to advocate that both the congress and administration have a joint responsibility to ensure successful reforms that provide a balance and can serve the American people effectively. As the Senate hearing was underway, protestors caused a disruption, shouting ‘RFK is responsible for AIDS victim deaths.’ Swift action by the police ensured restoration of order, and the hearings resumed.
Kennedy’s connection with Musk was the subject of a conversation with Rep. Steny Hoyer in the House hearing. ‘Who made those decisions? You or Musk?’ Hoyer queried. Kennedy emphasized that while he collaborated with Musk’s team, he maintained the autonomy to override certain decisions. He cited examples such as averting cuts from the Head Start early education initiative.
There were instances where Kennedy appeared uncertain with respect to details of specific cuts when asked about delays in community group payments and issues surrounding clinical trials. He assured lawmakers he would further explore these concerns and could provide individual feedback.
Concerning the reinstatement of staff within the World Trade Center health program, Senator Andy Kim questioned why the cuts were made in the first place. Kennedy responded that delaying such changes would’ve possibly allowed the organization to maintain its bloated structure, which wouldn’t have served his primary goal – bettering American health.
The topic of vaccines took center stage during a heated exchange with Senator Chris Murphy, who accused Kennedy of undermining public trust in vaccine safety due to his reluctance to assert their safety. Kennedy countered by implying the necessity for transparency about their risks, drawing an analogy to warning someone of alligators in a lake before they swim.
Afterwards, Dr. Cassidy corrected a misleading statement made by Kennedy regarding the testing of vaccines against placebos. He clarified that the claims were false as numerous vaccines, including for rotavirus, measles, and HPV, have indeed undergone such testing. Some vaccines even undergo comparisons with earlier versions for evaluation.
In a previous dialogue with Representative Mark Pocan, Kennedy commented that he likely would choose to vaccinate a young child against measles were he in that position today. He declined to comment on polio or chicken pox vaccines, further adding that he does not believe he should be a source of medical advice.
Questions about staffing cuts to biomedical research were raised by Republican representatives from Oklahoma and Maine. Rep. DeLauro concluded the hearings by remarking that despite Democrat lawmakers’ efforts, they have received no responses. Consequently, she questioned the necessary steps Democrats must take to receive responses and reinstatement for certain mandatory programs, like those relating to lead poisoning.