RFK Jr Grilled by Lawmakers Over Measles Outbreak and Vaccine Stance
During a recent congressional hearing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the US Health Secretary, was robustly challenged by lawmakers over the nation's severe measles outbreak and his department's approach to childhood immunisations. Whilst Secretary Kennedy sought to redirect the discourse towards broader federal health policies, Democratic representatives from the House Ways & Means Committee were unyielding in their criticism.
Vaccine Policies Under Scrutiny
Committee members expressed grave concerns about Secretary Kennedy's previous actions, including reductions to recommended childhood vaccinations and the appointment of vaccine critics to an expert advisory panel. Representative Mike Thompson from California emphatically stated, "Your dangerous conspiracy theories are undermining safe and effective vaccines," highlighting a chart illustrating nearly 4,000 measles cases reported in the US in 2025 and 2026. These concerns were compounded by a judge's ruling in March that struck down several of Kennedy's policy changes due to improper panel appointments.
Democratic Representative Linda Sanchez specifically questioned Secretary Kennedy on the US measles outbreak that claimed the lives of two children in Texas. She pressed him on whether the measles vaccine could have saved a child's life, to which he conceded, "It's possible, certainly."
Budget Cuts and Autism Research
The hearing also addressed the Trump administration's proposal to cut the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget by approximately $16 billion. Secretary Kennedy defended these proposed cuts, attributing them to a substantial national deficit. Republican lawmakers largely supported his agenda, with some, like Jodey Arrington, commending him as "a breath of fresh air."
However, Secretary Kennedy also faced criticism from within Republican ranks. Blake Moore of Utah, whose son is neurodivergent, expressed disappointment with the administration's efforts in autism research. He also voiced concern over past claims made by President Trump and Secretary Kennedy linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism, a claim medical experts widely refute. Moore shared the personal distress this caused his wife, stating, "that was a hurtful moment for her."
Secretary Kennedy, who has made finding the cause of autism a central mission, at times expressed frustration with the limited opportunity to respond to questions, remarking, "They've all shut me up and they've talked about science, but science is about debate."
