Kennedy returns to Capitol Hill with clout diminished
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The Bottom Line
Health Secretary Kennedy faces Congress with diminished influence and scrutiny over vaccine policy and administration changes.
How This Affects You
A federal judge temporarily blocked changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, which could affect recommended vaccinations for children.
AI Summary
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will face Congress on Thursday for the first time in over six months, with his autonomy and political influence diminished. Kennedy is expected to face questions about controversial moves, including January's overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule that dialed back 17 recommended vaccinations to 11, and his directive for the CDC to suggest a debunked link between vaccines and autism. A federal judge last month temporarily blocked the childhood vaccine changes, and the Trump administration elevated senior adviser Chris Klomp to be Kennedy's de facto chief of staff. Kennedy's opening remarks will focus on "historic wins" like drug pricing deals and new dietary guidelines, avoiding mention of vaccines. Democrats like Sen. Ron Wyden and Republicans like Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Tom Cole are prepared to question Kennedy on vaccine policy, personnel upheaval, and funding for NIH and CDC.
What's Being Done
A federal judge temporarily blocked vaccine changes; Chris Klomp elevated to de facto chief of staff.
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Watch: Congresswoman tells RFK Jr. he "should be ashamed" and resign as HHS secretary
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