Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fiercely defended his controversial policy reforms during a heated House Appropriations Committee hearing, clashing with Democrats over his streamlined bureaucracy initiatives and budget cuts.
Key Takeaways
- Kennedy defended his consolidation of multiple HHS offices, maintaining funding while reducing redundancy despite Democrat concerns about impacts on women’s and minority health services.
- He successfully negotiated with food manufacturers to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by 2026, claiming to accomplish in 100 days what Rep. DeLauro had worked on for 20 years.
- Kennedy justified Medicaid funding cuts as targeting fraud, waste, and abuse rather than beneficiary services.
- Democrats criticized Kennedy’s proposed NIH budget cuts and CDC lead prevention program reductions, expressing concerns about impacts on research and children’s health.
- Kennedy emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation on children’s health issues, stating “there are no partisan distinctions among children.”
Kennedy’s Fierce Defense of Agency Reorganization
During a contentious House Appropriations Committee hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stood his ground against Democratic lawmakers who questioned his sweeping agency reforms. Kennedy defended his decision to merge overlapping offices within HHS, emphasizing that these changes maintain funding while eliminating bureaucratic redundancy. The reorganization, though described by Kennedy as necessary, has drawn significant criticism from Democrats who worry about potential impacts on specialized health services.
Kennedy pushed back against reports claiming negative consequences from his changes, dismissing them as a “canard” and asserting that “we did not fire any working scientists.” This claim directly contradicts reports from former agency staff who maintain that deep funding cuts have halted scientific research and clinical trials nationwide. The Secretary characterized the reorganization as “painful” but necessary to create a more efficient department that better serves Americans.
Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen is removed by law enforcement for interrupting RFK Jr. hearing.
I hope their sales tank. I'm sick of that left wing ice cream. I've been boycotting them for years! pic.twitter.com/OVCXafTnFx
— PAMELA HENSLEY🇺🇸 (@PamelaHensley22) May 14, 2025
Food Dye Victory and Budget Controversy
One of the most heated exchanges occurred when Kennedy confronted Rep. Rosa DeLauro over his initiative to remove petroleum-based dyes from food products. Kennedy highlighted his achievement in reaching an agreement with food manufacturers to phase out synthetic dyes by 2026. Research suggests these dyes, including Red 40, may contribute to hyperactivity and behavioral changes in children. The Secretary didn’t hesitate to compare his progress to his critic’s record.
Kennedy also faced questioning about proposed cuts to NIH-funded research and the CDC’s lead prevention program. Democrats expressed concerns about the potential impact on cancer research and other critical health initiatives. The Secretary maintained that his budget priorities reflect fiscal responsibility while preserving essential services. Kennedy criticized U.S. children’s nutrition, particularly in Head Start facilities, describing it as unhealthy and loaded with sugar and chemicals.
Medicaid Funding and Political Tensions
When confronted by Rep. Josh Harder about Medicaid funding reductions, Kennedy responded forcefully, questioning the congressman’s understanding of the budget proposal. The Secretary clarified that the cuts were targeted at administrative waste rather than beneficiary services. Kennedy’s direct approach highlighted the partisan divide evident throughout the hearing as he defended the administration’s priorities.
Kennedy repeatedly emphasized the need for bipartisanship when addressing children’s health issues. He stated that there should be no political division when it comes to protecting children’s wellbeing. Despite his calls for unity, the hearing reflected the deep political divisions surrounding health policy in America. Kennedy criticized Democrats for what he described as politicizing health issues and echoing party talking points rather than engaging substantively with his reform proposals.
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In combative hearings, Kennedy defends HHS cuts, backtracks — and lashes out
Sparks Fly At Hearing As RFK Jr. Takes On Dems For Playing Politics With Health
