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Lawmakers press HHS on vaccine messaging, CDC advisory changes and cuts to infectious-disease offices
Summary
Senators pressed Secretary Robert Kennedy about vaccine guidance, the firing and charter changes to CDC advisory committees, measles outbreaks, and proposed CDC office cuts for diseases such as rabies and prion disorders, raising concerns about public-health capacity and messaging.
Senators used the HHS budget hearing to press Secretary Robert Kennedy on vaccines, advisory committee changes and staffing for infectious-disease surveillance.
Ranking Member Widen repeatedly accused the secretary of promoting "antivaccine" positions and sought to establish a record of alleged misstatements, including references to past public remarks. Kennedy rejected the allegation that he caused outbreaks, saying the United States has handled the measles response well and that vaccination campaigns must be promoted: "We promote the MMR. We advise every child to get the MMR," he said.
Several senators probed the secretary about the administration's decision to remove 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee and about a recent charter change that critics say could allow controversial appointees. Kennedy said the White House Domestic Policy Council was involved and that litigation constrains what he could discuss publicly.
Other questioning focused on CDC capacity. Senators warned that proposed budget cuts would reduce staff in offices handling rare but serious threats such as rabies and prion diseases; one senator said a 24/7 rabies consultation line was effectively staffed by a single person. Kennedy acknowledged agency-wide reductions but said the department remains committed to infectious-disease response and to rebuilding trust and science at the CDC.
Senators of both parties pressed for clearer public messaging on measles and for restored and transparent advisory processes. The committee recorded multiple requests for documents and protocols tied to data analysis and surveillance work.
