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Congress Blames Hegseth, Seeks Flu-Vaccine Reinstatement After Trainee Death

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Congressional leaders blame Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s April removal of the mandatory flu vaccine for the June 16 death of trainee Keon McDaniel.
The outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland has reached 284 confirmed flu cases and four hospitalizations as of June 30.
Rep. Joaquin Castro, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and Rep. Gil Cisneros introduced an amendment to National Defense Authorization Act to reinstate flu-vaccine requirement and called for an investigation.

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Story summary

Congressional leaders blame Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s April removal of the mandatory flu vaccine for the June 16 death of trainee Keon McDaniel.
The outbreak at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland has reached 284 confirmed flu cases and four hospitalizations as of June 30.
Rep. Joaquin Castro, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and Rep. Gil Cisneros introduced an amendment to National Defense Authorization Act to reinstate flu-vaccine requirement and called for an investigation.