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Kennedy Defends Measles Management Amid Congressional Scrutiny

4/17/2026

Center

Kennedy Defends Vaccine Strategy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health Secretary, faced a congressional hearing on measles outbreak management.
Lawmakers accused him of mismanaging the outbreak, citing two deaths in Texas and proposed $15.8 billion budget cuts.
He acknowledged that vaccination might have saved a life but avoided discussing his broader vaccine agenda.
He defended focusing on chronic disease and restructuring, including the Administration for a Healthy America, while critics warn of harm.

Right

Sewell Critiques Kennedy

At a budget hearing, Rep. Terri Sewell criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for remarks she described as labeling Black children as overmedicated and in need of "reparenting."
Kennedy denied making the comments and said he did not understand the term "reparented."
An HHS spokesperson said the remarks were taken out of context and that "reparenting" refers to emotional development for youth facing mental health challenges.

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Kennedy Defends Vaccine Strategy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health Secretary, faced a congressional hearing on measles outbreak management.
Lawmakers accused him of mismanaging the outbreak, citing two deaths in Texas and proposed $15.8 billion budget cuts.
He acknowledged that vaccination might have saved a life but avoided discussing his broader vaccine agenda.
He defended focusing on chronic disease and restructuring, including the Administration for a Healthy America, while critics warn of harm.

1 / 2