Kennedy faces sharp questions on vaccines and health policy in first big congressional test

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced his first major congressional scrutiny as Health and Human Services secretary on Thursday, sitting for two lengthy hearings in one day. The back-to-back sessions marked the beginning of what's expected to be a grueling week of testimony across multiple committees, as lawmakers from both parties seek clarity on his leadership and the administration's health agenda.

The hearings, held by the House Ways and Means and Appropriations Committees, focused on the fiscal 2027 budget request and the future of key health programs, including the Mental Health Access and Healing Act (MAHA). But much of the discussion centered on Kennedy's past statements about vaccines-particularly his long-standing promotion of the discredited idea that vaccines are linked to autism. Several Democratic members pressed him on whether he still stands by those views, given his current role overseeing national public health.

Kennedy repeatedly stated that he now supports vaccination and emphasized that his concerns have always been about safety oversight, not the concept of immunization itself. He said he wants to improve transparency in the vaccine approval process and strengthen monitoring systems, but stopped short of endorsing specific changes to current schedules. Still, some lawmakers remained skeptical, noting the influence his past rhetoric has had on vaccine hesitancy across the country.

Republicans, meanwhile, focused more on budget details. Some expressed support for Kennedy's push to restructure public health agencies, while others questioned proposed cuts to certain programs. A few GOP members echoed Kennedy's call for reducing what they described as federal overreach in health policy, particularly around mental health and school-based services.

The day also highlighted the political tightrope Kennedy must walk. Once a prominent critic of government health institutions, he now leads the largest federal agency in that space. His ability to reassure both public health experts and political allies will likely shape how effectively he can implement the administration's priorities over the next few years.

Thursday's hearings were just the first of seven scheduled appearances, suggesting Congress plans to keep a close eye on his tenure. With major decisions looming on drug pricing, pandemic preparedness, and mental health funding, the coming weeks could test both his policy knowledge and his political durability.

While no major revelations emerged from the day, the tone was clear: lawmakers on both sides expect accountability. Whether Kennedy can maintain credibility with public health professionals while satisfying the administration's broader goals remains an open question-one that Congress seems determined to answer.