Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his controversial tenure at the Department of Health and Human Services during Thursday’s House Ways and Means Committee hearing, clashing with Democrats over a dramatic surge in measles cases and proposed budget cuts totaling nearly $16 billion.Democrats Grill Kennedy on Vaccine-Preventable Disease SpikeThe hearing turned contentious when Democrats pressed Kennedy on the alarming rise in measles infections under his leadership. The U.S. recorded over 2,200 measles cases last year, with more than 1,700 already reported this year. Representative Mike Thompson of California reminded Kennedy of the polio era, stating bluntly that children have died because measles runs rampant under his watch. When Representative Linda Sánchez pressed Kennedy about whether the measles vaccine could have saved an unvaccinated child who died during a Texas outbreak, Kennedy conceded it was possible. Budget Cuts Versus Health Goals Draw ScrutinyKennedy fielded tough questions about the Trump administration’s proposed 12.5% budget reduction for his agency in the coming fiscal year. Representative Gwen Moore of Wisconsin challenged Kennedy on proposed cuts to nutrition programs including WIC and SNAP, questioning how slashing food assistance aligns with his stated goal of reducing chronic disease in children. Kennedy acknowledged he was not happy with the cuts but defended other agency actions, including new dietary guidelines and drug price negotiations.Controversial Priorities Under FireDemocrats highlighted questionable priorities, with Sánchez pointing to Kennedy’s suspension of a CDC flu vaccine awareness campaign while taxpayer dollars funded a promotional video showing Kennedy and Kid Rock working out shirtless in a hot tub. Kennedy’s efforts to overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule remain blocked by the courts. Despite criticism, Republicans gave Kennedy a mostly warm reception, focusing questions on Medicare fraud, rural healthcare, and district-specific concerns. Kennedy is scheduled to appear before another House committee later Thursday.New Agency Reorganization in Budget ProposalThe budget proposal includes provisions for Kennedy’s plan to create the Administration for a Healthy America by reorganizing and consolidating Health and Human Services operations. Kennedy declared his agency is ending federal policies that fueled the chronic disease epidemic, replacing them with policies that prioritize American health first. The hearing exposed deep partisan divisions over vaccine policy and public health direction, with implications for millions of Americans who depend on federal health programs and disease prevention efforts.SourcesNpr: RFK Jr. defends his health agenda and Trump’s proposed budget cuts in House hearing : NPR