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Kennedy Defends Health Agenda Amid Budget Cuts and Criticism

4/16/2026

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Kennedy Defends Health Agenda

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his agenda at a House committee hearing, emphasizing nutrition and food safety.
Kennedy faces criticism for budget cuts, a 12.5% cut to the Department of Health and Human Services, with lawmakers saying it contradicts his goals against chronic diseases.
Democrats pressed Kennedy on rising healthcare costs and his vaccine policies.
Kennedy's future appearances may clarify his stance on vaccines and health policy.

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Suozzi Challenges Budget Cuts

Representative Tom Suozzi pressed Health Secretary Kennedy over the proposed $15 billion cut to the Department of Health and Human Services budget for 2027, paired with a $441 billion defense increase.
He warned the cut could harm Medicaid.
Horsford criticized Kennedy's responses on healthcare access.
In a separate vote, House Republicans narrowly blocked a Democratic resolution to limit President Donald Trump's military actions in Iran, reflecting deep partisan divisions.

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Kennedy Defends Health Agenda

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his agenda at a House committee hearing, emphasizing nutrition and food safety.
Kennedy faces criticism for budget cuts, a 12.5% cut to the Department of Health and Human Services, with lawmakers saying it contradicts his goals against chronic diseases.
Democrats pressed Kennedy on rising healthcare costs and his vaccine policies.
Kennedy's future appearances may clarify his stance on vaccines and health policy.

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