RFK Jr. Grilled by Senate Committees on Vaccines, Drug Prices
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced tense exchanges with Democratic senators over vaccines, pharmaceutical company deals, and agency spending. Republicans praised his rural health initiatives.
Congressional Testimony
Overview: Kennedy capped a week of testifying before various Congressional committees discussing his leadership of the HHS and the agency's 2026 budget request.
Republican Support: "Republicans on the committees praised Kennedy for his agency's investments in rural health and nutrition."
Democratic Criticism: "Democrats pushed Kennedy to commit to making Trump administration deals with pharmaceutical companies public, grilled him on the measles and other vaccines, and asked him to account for the costs of recent promotional videos."
Agency Achievements: Kennedy highlighted drug price negotiations, new Dietary Guidelines, expanded nutrition education in medical schools, and efforts to phase out petroleum-based food dyes.