Lawmakers clash with RFK Jr as he shifts focus away from vaccines

During a congressional hearing on Thursday, Robert F Kennedy Jr faced intense scrutiny over the resurgence of measles in the U.S., despite his efforts to redirect attention from his stance on vaccines. The House Ways & Means Committee members, including Democrats, criticized his handling of the outbreak, which has led to nearly 4,000 reported cases in 2025 and 2026. Kennedy emphasized his broader agenda, aiming to reshape federal policies that he claims contribute to chronic disease trends.

As part of the Trump administration’s proposal, Kennedy presented plans to reduce the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget by approximately $16 billion in the upcoming fiscal year—a 12.5% reduction. The hearing, his first in months, became a platform for lawmakers to voice concerns about his cuts to staff, cancer research funding, and vaccine recommendations. His strategy of shifting focus away from vaccines drew mixed reactions from both parties.

Conflicting Statements on Vaccine Safety

While the measles outbreak claimed two lives in Texas last year, Kennedy occasionally supported the MMR vaccine’s safety, yet at times questioned its effectiveness. California Representative Mike Thompson highlighted this inconsistency, presenting data on the outbreak alongside a chart showing its scale. He accused Kennedy of spreading “dangerous conspiracy theories” that risk public health.

“Your dangerous conspiracy theories are undermining safe and effective vaccines,” said California Democratic Representative Mike Thompson, displaying a chart of nearly 4,000 measles cases.

Democratic Representative Linda Sanchez pressed Kennedy on the outbreak’s impact, asking if the measles vaccine could have saved a child’s life. Kennedy replied, “It’s possible, certainly,” before defending his policy changes. He criticized lawmakers for not allowing him to explain his positions fully, claiming they “shut me up” and prioritized science without considering debate.

Policy Reforms and Legal Challenges

Kennedy has been reshaping U.S. vaccine policies since taking office, including reducing the number of recommended shots for children and replacing an expert advisory panel with critics. However, in March, a judge invalidated several of these reforms, citing improper appointments of new panel members. HHS has yet to appeal the decision, though Kennedy appears to be steering clear of vaccine-related discussions.

Some Republicans praised his efforts, with Jodey Arrington calling him “a breath of fresh air.” Yet, Utah’s Blake Moore criticized the administration’s autism research, noting his son’s neurodivergent condition. Moore recounted how Trump and Kennedy once linked Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism, a claim medical experts dispute. “My wife was hurt, and she felt for a split-second until we came to our senses,” Moore said, explaining the emotional toll of the assertion.

Broader Health Policy Debates

Democrat Gwen Moore highlighted Trump’s cuts to maternal and child aid programs, including food stamps, and questioned their role in improving public health. Kennedy responded by stating that the reductions were necessary due to a $39 trillion deficit, adding that “nobody wants to make the cuts.” The debate underscores the tension between Kennedy’s agenda and the ongoing challenges in U.S. health policy.