RFK Jr. defends proposed 12% health budget cut, measles response in House testimony

CBS News
April 16, 2026
3 min read

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended a proposed 12% health budget cut and measles response.

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, defending a proposed 12% cut to the health budget and the administration's measles response. This appearance marks the first of seven budget hearings Kennedy Jr. is scheduled to attend over the coming week. His testimony addresses significant fiscal proposals and public health strategies under scrutiny by House lawmakers. The budget cuts could impact various health programs, while the measles response is critical for public health management. This series of hearings will detail the Trump administration's priorities and plans for federal health spending and policy.

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Ways and Means Committee.

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