Lawmakers clash with RFK Jr as he shifts focus away from vaccines

April 16, 2026

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the House Ways & Means Committee to defend a proposed $16 billion budget cut to the Department of Health and Human Services while facing intense criticism over his handling of a severe measles outbreak that killed two children.

Who is affected

Two children in Texas who died during the measles outbreak
Nearly 4,000 people who contracted measles in 2025 and 2026
Children subject to revised vaccine recommendations
Department of Health and Human Services staff facing cuts
Cancer researchers experiencing funding reductions
Families relying on food stamps and other maternal/child aid programs
Parents of neurodivergent children, including Representative Blake Moore's family
Expert advisory panel members who were replaced with vaccine critics

What action is being taken

Kennedy is presenting a proposal to cut the HHS budget by approximately $16 billion (12.5% decrease)
The Trump administration is cutting aid programs for mothers and children, including food stamps
Kennedy is attempting to "end the era of federal policies that fueled the chronic disease epidemic"

Why it matters

This matters because Kennedy's policy changes and budget cuts directly impact public health infrastructure during an active disease outbreak that has already resulted in child fatalities. The undermining of established vaccine recommendations and expert guidance affects the safety of children nationwide, while significant funding reductions to HHS could weaken the government's capacity to respond to health crises. Additionally, the cuts to maternal and child nutrition programs may worsen health outcomes for vulnerable populations, contradicting stated goals of improving American health.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC