A vaccine standoff and other key moments from RFK Jr.'s first congressional hearing in months

April 16, 2026 - 18:45

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers as he returned to Capitol Hill, defending a controversial proposal to slash his own department's budget by over 12%. The hearing, his first before Congress in several months, marked the beginning of a demanding week where he is scheduled to appear at seven separate hearings over seven consecutive days.

The session quickly grew contentious, with Democratic members expressing sharp criticism. They focused their questions on the potential impact of such significant budget reductions on public health programs, medical research, and agency operations. Kennedy argued the cuts were a necessary part of broader fiscal discipline, emphasizing a focus on efficiency and reprioritization within the Department of Health and Human Services.

A significant portion of the hearing evolved into a tense standoff regarding vaccine policies. Lawmakers pressed the Secretary on his past statements and the administration's current stance, leading to pointed exchanges. Kennedy reiterated the administration's support for what he termed "medical freedom" while asserting the importance of childhood immunization schedules, though he avoided detailed commentary on specific historical claims attributed to him.

The hearing sets the stage for a grueling week of testimony, where the Secretary will likely continue to face tough questions on budgetary priorities and health policy directions from both sides of the aisle.