Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives testimony during a session of the House Committee on Ways and Means on Capitol Hill, April 16, 2026, in Washington.Heather Diehl/Getty Images
On Thursday, House Ways and Means Committee Democrats focused on public health strategies put into practice under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and tried to hold Kennedy accountable for the increase in measles occurrences in the U.S., citing his skeptical comments regarding vaccinations.
Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., scrutinized alterations made to the childhood vaccine schedule by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — which functions as part of HHS — specifically the removal of the broad recommendation for a series of injections. A federal judge then issued a temporary stay on this.
Sanchez brought up a measles epidemic that occurred in West Texas the previous year, resulting in over 700 infections and the deaths of two unvaccinated school-aged children, marking the first measles-related deaths in the U.S. in ten years.
Kennedy has consistently voiced uncertainties about the safety and efficacy of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) immunization. Despite its mandatory status for public school entry in all states, data from the CDC reveals a gradual decrease in vaccination rates over the past decade.
Referencing the initial fatality, Sanchez questioned, "Do you concur with the opinion of the majority of physicians that the measles shot could have averted the death of the child in Texas?"
"It’s conceivable, definitely," was Kennedy’s response.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during a hearing of the House Committee on Ways and Means on Capitol Hill, April 16, 2026 in Washington.Heather Diehl/Getty Images
Sanchez continued, expressing her "dismay" over what she referred to as Kennedy’s choice last year to halt the CDC’s "pro-vaccine communications," alluding to the CDC’s conclusion of a flu vaccination drive during Kennedy’s first complete week as health secretary.
Sanchez asserted that the suspension of the campaign was connected to rises in preventable deaths, notably among unvaccinated children succumbing to the flu. The congresswoman and the secretary engaged in a dispute concerning whether President Donald Trump directed the decision.
"Did President Trump give the nod to your choice to discontinue the CDC’s pro-vaccine informational messages to the public?"
"You’re dealing with a great deal of misinformation there — for starters," Kennedy stated before being cut off. He then added, "Allow me to address the assertions you’ve presented."
"No, answer my query. Please, I am on a tight schedule. Did President Trump sanction your resolution to terminate the CDC’s pro-vaccine educational efforts?" Sanchez inquired.
After a series of exchanges, Kennedy stated that the U.S. has managed the measles situation more effectively compared to other nations.
"We are in the midst of a worldwide measles outbreak. Our preventive actions have surpassed those of any other country globally," Kennedy claimed.
"No other country has seen a larger proportional increase than this one," Sanchez countered.
"That is incorrect. Mexico’s measles count is triple ours, despite having only one [third] of our population," Kennedy responded. "Canada’s case numbers are double, with only one-eighth of our population. We have outperformed every other nation in measles prevention."
Medical institutions and public health authorities have voiced their disapproval of the federal government’s handling of the continuous measles spread, particularly Health Secretary Kennedy’s protracted public acknowledgement that the measles shot is instrumental in preventing the illness.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), as part of the World Health Organization, made the determination last year that Canada had relinquished its status of having eradicated measles. The possibility of losing their eradication status is also a risk for Mexico and the U.S., considering the ongoing outbreaks over the past year.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during a hearing of the House Committee on Ways and Means on Capitol Hill, April 16, 2026 in Washington.Heather Diehl/Getty Images
"Did President Trump give his approval for your decision to discontinue the CDC’s campaign to promote vaccination?" Sanchez reiterated.
"Our performance in averting measles surpasses any other nation across the globe," Kennedy asserted.
Following further exchanges, Sanchez accused Kennedy of enacting "awful" choices that have repercussions on the existence of children.
At the same time, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., stated Kennedy is a perilous conspiracy theorist, faulting him for causing harm to the general public’s welfare.
Thompson stated to Kennedy, "Children have perished due to the uncontrolled spread of measles on your watch, in large part due to President Trump permitting your conspiracy beliefs to influence our public health system."
He further commented, "Americans are in need of strong leadership, supported by evidence and scientific backing. Instead, we are burdened with you and the President, who are increasing misinformation and diminishing essential public health safeguards."
Thompson pointed out that the number of measles cases nationwide was about 500 during President Joe Biden’s four-year term, while the instances soared to 2,300 during Trump’s first year of his second term, when Kennedy was head of the health department.
Even prior to his appointment as health secretary, medical groups and public health experts have identified Kennedy’s skepticism towards vaccinations as a potential element that fuels hesitancy towards vaccinations throughout various regions of the country.
Kennedy is the originator of Children’s Health Defense, which is a group that approaches vaccines with distrust, promoting perspectives on shots that go against what scientific data indicates.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com