Summary
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will appear before Congress for the first time in over six months to answer questions on vaccine policies, autism, and other health issues. His role and influence have changed as the Trump administration focuses more on policies like lowering drug prices, while some of Kennedy’s controversial moves face legal challenges.
Key Facts
- Kennedy will testify before House Ways and Means and Appropriations committees, then Senate hearings next week.
- He made major changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, reducing recommended vaccines from 17 to 11.
- Kennedy instructed the CDC to suggest a disproven link between vaccines and autism on its website.
- A federal judge temporarily blocked his vaccine schedule changes last month.
- The Trump administration has assigned Chris Klomp, a senior adviser, to oversee Kennedy’s work and personnel decisions.
- Kennedy promotes less controversial policies publicly, like healthy eating and drug pricing deals with pharmaceutical companies.
- Some Democrats, like Sen. Ron Wyden, criticize Kennedy for pushing anti-vaccine views despite earlier promises to be independent.
- Republicans are divided, with some supporting Kennedy for challenging federal health regulations while others express concern.
