Over the past two weeks, Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before several Congressional committees regarding the FY26 HHS budget request, including the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS, and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). These hearings covered a wide range of topics, including HHS reorganization, Medicaid changes, vaccine policies, chronic disease, rural health, research funding, and the broader Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. The hearings marked the first round of Congressional review of the FY26 request.
Budget Request Priorities and Testimony Highlights
In his testimony, Sec. Kennedy highlighted the administration’s focus on reducing chronic disease and increasing operational efficiency. The FY26 budget proposal includes:
- Consolidating mental health programs to better address rising rates of mental illness and substance use.
- Prioritizing nutrition, physical activity, and exercise, with $94 billion requested for the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA).
- Expanding FDA food safety efforts.
- Cutting research deemed redundant, dangerous, or overly focused on DEI metrics.
- Leveraging AI and other technologies to improve health data management and service delivery.
- Restoring public trust in federal health agencies.
HHS Reorganization and Withholding Funds
The reorganization of HHS drew criticism from Democrats. Democrats, including Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), raised alarms about funds appropriated by Congress being withheld, particularly for NIH immunotherapy research. Sec. Kennedy defended the actions as part of a larger effort to cut waste and emphasized OMB’s role in making final funding decisions. He stated that while legal action prevents him from commenting on specifics like the CDC brain injury program, all actions are intended to increase agency efficiency. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and others expressed concern about funding uncertainty impacting key health initiatives.
HHS Workforce Reductions
Reductions in the HHS workforce were another flashpoint. Sec. Kennedy stated that he and his staff made the final decisions, though Elon Musk offered informal guidance. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) pressed for clarity on the decision-making process, while Democrats questioned whether Congress had been consulted. Republicans largely defended the cuts as part of broader government reform efforts.
Medicaid
Democratic lawmakers criticized the proposed Medicaid reforms included in the reconciliation bill, arguing the changes would significantly reduce coverage for vulnerable populations. Sec. Kennedy, joined by Republicans like Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), countered that the reforms would reduce fraud, eliminate waste, and target coverage toward eligible recipients. Provisions such as work requirements for non-disabled adults and limits on care for undocumented immigrants were especially contentious.
Chronic Disease
Members across party lines acknowledged the importance of addressing chronic disease. While Republicans praised Kennedy’s Make America Health Again (MAHA) initiative, Democrats objected to cuts at Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Office of Minority Health. Sec. Kennedy characterized the changes as a realignment, not a reduction. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) expressed enthusiasm for MAHA’s direction, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) advocated banning artificial dyes in foods.
Rural Health
Rural health care emerged as a significant theme. Lawmakers highlighted hospital closures and provider shortages. Sec. Kennedy pointed to partnerships with health tech firms and AI applications as potential solutions. He cited support for Health Resources Services and Administration (HRSA) programs like 340B and mentioned efforts to improve access to cancer treatments and preventive care. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) raised equity concerns regarding DEI rollbacks, which Kennedy dismissed, citing bipartisan efforts to ensure equitable access, such as sickle cell treatment expansion in South Carolina.
Vaccines
Amid a growing measles outbreak, Democratic lawmakers pressed Kennedy on his stance on vaccines. Although Kennedy acknowledged public mistrust and concerns, he ultimately affirmed that the measles vaccine is the most effective means of prevention. He emphasized that his recommendations are based on multiple sources.
Other Topics
- Sen. Moran (R-KS) expressed support for the BOLD Act.
- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) expressed support for opioid crisis grants and Sec. Kennedy agreed.
- Sen. Collins discussed restoring the LEAH program and boosting aid for low-income families.
- Reps. Clyde (R-SC), Ellzey (R-TX), and DeLauro (D-CT) raised concerns over unaccompanied minors and family separation accountability.
- Members from both parties emphasized the need to reduce dependency on Chinese pharmaceutical supply chains.
- Sen. Cassidy (R-LA) voiced concerns about the closure of the Office of Long COVID Research.
- Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is reportedly drafting legislation to limit pharmaceutical advertising.