Since taking office, the Trump administration has initiated significant changes to the nation’s public health infrastructure. These changes have included the elimination of nearly 20,000 jobs, the removal of key career officials, and threats to billions of dollars in federally funded scientific research. Additionally, a major reorganization of the Health and Human Services (HHS) department has been proposed, sparking intense debate and division among lawmakers and health experts alike.
Democrats and public health experts have voiced strong concerns that these actions may severely damage the nation’s public health system. In contrast, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his supporters argue that such measures are essential for refocusing the federal government’s efforts on tackling chronic diseases. In his opening remarks before the House panel, Kennedy emphasized his commitment to “fighting debilitating disease, contaminated food, toxic environments, addiction, mental health issues, and illnesses affecting families across every race, class, and political belief.”
The upcoming hearings are seen as Kennedy’s opportunity to defend the Trump administration’s recent budget proposal, which suggests a 26 percent reduction in HHS’s discretionary budget of $127 billion. Lawmakers typically take advantage of these hearings to pose a wide range of questions, particularly regarding the most controversial aspects of the health department's agenda. This is especially relevant during the anticipated hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, which is usually not a venue for budget discussions.
The committee is chaired by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), a physician who expressed hesitation about supporting Kennedy’s nomination to lead HHS. Earlier this year, Cassidy urged Kennedy—who founded a prominent anti-vaccine group—to refrain from linking vaccines to autism, a debunked claim. Cassidy secured a list of commitments from Kennedy before voting to confirm him, including agreements to appear before the committee quarterly if requested. On April 1, Cassidy called upon Kennedy to testify amid the widespread firings at HHS, which is undergoing an unprecedented workforce reduction.
The HHS has enacted a significant downsizing and restructuring, reducing its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000. The department claims this move will yield annual savings of $1.8 billion and streamline its structure from 28 divisions to 15. Cassidy plans to address the public’s instinctive fear of change, stating, “Without a clearly defined plan or objective, people will assume the worst.” He emphasizes that Americans need direct reassurance from the administration that the reforms will enhance their lives rather than complicate them.
On the Democratic side, opposition to the workforce purge is strong. Lawmakers are expected to question Kennedy about the HHS firings, cuts to the National Institutes of Health, and various health-related issues. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut), the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, criticized the proposed budget, claiming it could lead to “needless and preventable deaths” among Americans. She argued that the funding cuts have weakened U.S. health initiatives, particularly as the nation faces the deadliest measles outbreak in decades.
As the nation grapples with this health crisis, Democrats are poised to challenge Kennedy regarding his initial downplaying of the outbreak's severity and his support for unproven treatments. Kennedy has maintained that vaccination is a personal choice while asserting his commitment to obtaining reliable data about vaccines, including the measles vaccine.
Some Republicans are expected to defend the funding cuts to federal health agencies, arguing that despite substantial investments, these agencies have not significantly improved health outcomes compared to international peers. Rep. Robert B. Aderholt (R-Alabama), chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee overseeing HHS funds, remarked on the disparity in health outcomes, suggesting that increased spending has not translated into better health for Americans.
This is a developing story, and updates will follow as the situation progresses.
