[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6238337,"mediaKeyId","3352798-b4c701cecf8290f965d638ae8f82eaab","parentId",3352798,"title","HHS secretary defends FY2026 overhaul; Democrats warn cuts will erode NIH, CDC and FDA programs","audioSeconds",1444,"startMs",116000,"endMs",1560000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3352798-b4c701cecf8290f965d638ae8f82eaab&start=116&end=1560","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3352798-b4c701cecf8290f965d638ae8f82eaab/thumbnail_116000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6238337/HHS-secretary-defends-FY2026-overhaul-Democrats-warn-cuts-will-erode-NIH-CDC-and-FDA-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238337-9d306d0c30ce5f8667c381fa8719dc62/orig.mp4?Expires=1770934630&Signature=mf97j9Dzr8rV0LdjUcs79mYPVVbTgZZEDD0nJAfx0veR9RrO8yMMmBNj9l3IKXDwLywDUqCYsHooL9oH9H09riUFLuCkzB6FoPAkuqfNN4bBepBfwjJLAO6hOF3aiHrx1b6hLybaw5O731O~s6P1MUAoATQIQLdMFY2zZTStgekHPEtBLtDPIYmz8d039h0ZGWL82VA-zbsVeapAjc2F2QJrAecnREFVrIHh9-oimV~Kc-bYZB5L2kLoK053tK2nktUb7tYr1-5nXT8vCQC2UlVtzdeLlx1EuK6FQuAZUxRKQugjS3ZbXwbx03ZQNBCw4spPhVy0qx5C-d8XNP25jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. House Committee on Appropriations","date","2025-05-16T19:37:50Z","article","Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the newly confirmed secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, defended the Trump administration's fiscal year 2026 budget and a proposed HHS reorganization at a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, while Democrats warned that proposed cuts and personnel reductions already underway are damaging core public‑health programs.

Kennedy said the budget reflects an effort “to make America healthy again,” emphasizing a push to “spend smarter” by shifting funding “away from bureaucracy toward direct impact” and to preserve legacy programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Head Start. He told lawmakers, “If you appropriate the money, I'm gonna spend that money,” when pressed about congressionally appropriated research funds.

Ranking Member DeLauro sharply disputed the proposal. “Under your budget proposal, Americans would die of needless and preventable deaths,” she said, repeatedly accusing the administration of cutting tens of billions from NIH, CDC and FDA programs and of “recklessly and unlawfully freezing and stealing congressionally appropriated funds.” DeLauro and other Democrats pointed to reported personnel reductions, program transfers and a proposed new “Administration for Healthy America” as evidence the changes would reduce disease prevention and biomedical research capacity.

Why this matters: Committee members said the HHS budget affects disease surveillance, biomedical research, food safety and preventive health programs that serve states and localities. Democrats warned that large, near‑term reductions in NIH and CDC funding would slow cancer and infectious‑disease research and hamper state and local public‑health grants. Republicans and the secretary framed cuts as targeting waste, duplication and nonessential activities while preserving services for vulnerable groups.

Major specifics and disagreement
- Administration proposal and targets: committee members cited administration documents and testimony saying the White House plan would cut roughly $33 billion from HHS overall, reduce CDC funding by nearly $4 billion and cut NIH research by $18–20 billion (figures as stated by committee members during the hearing). Kennedy described a $94 billion discretionary request to support priorities including an Administration for Healthy America.
- Reorganization and transfers: Kennedy said several prevention programs Democrats described as “cut” had been transferred into the proposed Administration for Healthy America; he added that court orders currently limit the department’s ability to discuss ongoing reorganization planning. “Many of the programs that the Democrats are now saying were cut at CDC were not cut at all. Those programs were transferred to the administration for a healthy America,” he said.
- Appropriations and executive authority: Members repeatedly raised whether the administration is withholding funds that Congress has already appropriated for 2025. Kennedy repeatedly replied in the hearing, “If you appropriate the money, I'm gonna spend that money,” but Democrats said evidence shows tens of billions already withheld or frozen and warned of unlawful impoundment. Representatives also cited recent court orders and restraining orders entered against some administrative actions.

Discussion vs. direction vs. decision
- Discussion: Committee members from both parties debated the aims of the proposal (cost control, refocusing on chronic disease, nutrition and addiction) and contested the likely programmatic impacts of the reorganization and cuts.
- Direction/assignment: The secretary pledged to provide technical support and studies to show effects on rural hospitals and other programs, and agreed to supply information the committee requested where not restricted by court order.
- Formal action: No votes or statutory actions were recorded during the hearing.

Substantive concerns raised by members included: whether NIH reorganization is legally permissible without congressional action, the administrative ability to obligate congressionally appropriated funds, and the near‑term effects of staff reductions. DeLauro and others asked for detailed lists of programs moved, reduced or eliminated and for the criteria used to determine cuts; the secretary said some planning is paused under court order but that the department would provide information.

What’s next: Members of the Appropriations Committee said they will press for documents and further hearings as FY2026 development continues; the hearing record will include the secretary’s written testimony and committee requests for additional details about program transfers and funding obligations.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Budget Hearing – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services","oneSentenceSummary","Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the administration's FY2026 HHS budget and reorganization plans before the House Appropriations subcommittee, while Democrats warned the proposal and ongoing staffing reductions would erode NIH, CDC and FDA programs and that some congressionally appropriated funds may be being withheld.","taxTitle","Appropriations: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1832,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6238323,"Kennedy touts plans to curb ultra‑processed foods and restrict food dyes; lawmakers press on evidence and dental policy",2192,1440000,3632000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3352798-b4c701cecf8290f965d638ae8f82eaab&start=1440&end=3632","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3352798-b4c701cecf8290f965d638ae8f82eaab/thumbnail_1440000.jpg","/articles/6238323/Kennedy-touts-plans-to-curb-ultraprocessed-foods-and-restrict-food-dyes-lawmakers-press-on-evidence-and-dental-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238323-9b819dd8db98f327a1e431763db388dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770934631&Signature=FvOOP1HWhEJXf~oQAqesioLl2Od5s~yhVV4OYf~V3s08T8vij4rwG~u3DEPRXgRBr5sWga~Lcnd4ojIJ~S9l8JNwNXtdabvvvLQn5Gw7JpxgfFs47W-d-r26QHLOa4SP5RDwA1x9eXfFFus-WbbrsoJoyzYabAeQ2wVhRn2w98y0sBvoNrCCE71ed4XTRSg1iLEbA6fgKcVMLZqX9Tm6ARlnxssv-mRzZ84wCoxKel9hF6fRfc2k3zTl8xFOKOZMZ~kTka0tuOj7hy6fthTpgv6RHR1lMS7s3UgiU5qSqDjwKP-8NAcApJSRSfFm8FRZbSli5kgIJfPyGiYTjZZOvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told the House Appropriations subcommittee that his HHS agenda will place a strong emphasis on nutrition, reducing ultra‑processed foods and phasing out certain synthetic food dyes, and that FDA and NIH will be directed to speed research on food chemicals and health outcomes.

Kennedy said the administration will “emphasize healthy eating” and described plans to reissue concise dietary guidelines and to steer Head Start and school‑lunch programs toward whole food choices. On food dyes, he told the committee that the department has worked with the food industry and issued approvals for three vegetable‑based dye substitutes this week, and that the agency is seeking to phase out the “two worst” dyes—an orange and a red dye—quickly and move other dyes over two years.

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, who represents a district with food manufacturers, asked that FDA ensure substitute dyes are safe and that the transition not impose unreasonable costs; the secretary said the department had fast‑tracked replacements and would continue to work with industry. Members from both parties said healthier school meals and Head Start nutrition were priorities they could support.

Separately, members raised dental‑health issues. Secretary Kennedy said he is “deeply committed to dental health,” citing links between oral health and systemic disease and promising research commitments at NIH and better access for underserved populations. Members also questioned the introduction of new FDA actions on ingestible fluoride products for children; lawmakers asked for the studies that guided the department's actions and expressed concern about the consequences of removing systemic fluoride without strengthening dental care access.

Why this matters: Nutrition, school meals and chemical additives affect child health, chronic disease risk and public‑health equity. Changes to food‑safety rules and dietary guidance involve tradeoffs for industry, schools and federal nutrition programs.

Discussion vs. direction vs. decision
- Discussion: Members and the secretary debated the science and timing of phasing out synthetic dyes, school nutrition standards and dental policy including fluoride action.
- Direction/assignment: Kennedy said the department had approved substitute vegetable dyes and will reissue short dietary guidelines to influence school and Head Start meals; he also pledged NIH and FDA research on food chemicals and dental health.
- Formal action: No regulatory rulemaking or binding dietary guideline was finalized in the hearing; the secretary reported administrative actions and fast‑track approvals completed this week.

Clarifying details
- Dyes and timeline: Kennedy said two of the worst dyes would be phased out within two months and the remaining dyes within two years, and that three vegetable dye substitutes were approved in the week of testimony.
- Head Start: Secretary said Head Start serves roughly 750,000 children and parents and that nutritional priorities would be emphasized in program funding.

What’s next: Members requested safety data on substitutes, cost estimates for industry transitions and published studies on fluoride and dental outcomes; the secretary offered to share approvals and scientific documentation and to work with the committee on implementation details.","Secretary Kennedy described a push to prioritize nutrition, remove harmful chemicals and phase out certain synthetic food dyes; members from both parties welcomed attention to child nutrition but requested more data and raised concerns about implementation, alternative dyes and research priorities including dental health and fluoride policy.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6238329,"Lawmakers press HHS on rural hospital finances and Indian Health Service commitments",1772,263000,2035000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3352798-b4c701cecf8290f965d638ae8f82eaab&start=263&end=2035","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3352798-b4c701cecf8290f965d638ae8f82eaab/thumbnail_263000.jpg","/articles/6238329/Lawmakers-press-HHS-on-rural-hospital-finances-and-Indian-Health-Service-commitments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238329-3250af69693a5a089eea4404c3c81fe8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770934631&Signature=WL81c8a8AGxuoQhxFUAKj~l8UNCCCFYYfYUaThPGVhOtEwU9XAlYBfWVOx~en6J7gVTZ8U2mLv64x8Meo3l-KeVaoTG83jQmpeK6cfXOF6jkXvPG00aDlfrMvVb1yiAt4DzyHxyU1nhHFZpnybMqEg0ndpMERZDAH4u6UAadMGX67u3LY~Y30J826m13T1YDN9ndVJWfGIOQNJo2FQVSc1o4SEznLgjmyyAp7LBaTPcUYBbFJF6nI9kGtWQNVtoX4HsVgse7F2fxMkEqltUcozDtN8zsoYAzkafQy7d-v8km4Irf0r~6QC6giD8kqMvG3H4DlTM-OQ3nsoZlDthBZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several members told Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that rural hospitals and the Indian Health Service (IHS) require urgent attention, pressing for steps to address reimbursement, shortages and longtime structural problems.

The committee chair described chronic rural health problems in his state, saying “Rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer in my state of Alabama exceed the national average,” and noting that in 2010 “at least 14 hospitals in Alabama closed their doors.” He asked whether HHS and CMS would review the area wage index, which adjusts Medicare wage reimbursements and—because the index must remain budget‑neutral—can leave low‑wage rural hospitals at a competitive disadvantage for staffing.

Kennedy said he would work with members and with CMS leadership and provide technical studies to show the impact of the area wage index, but he stressed that statutory change is necessary to alter the wage‑index framework: “Change has to be statutory, and we will do our job at providing technical support, including the kind of studies that you just mentioned,” he said. He described the economic and community importance of rural hospitals and said the administration had taken steps to exempt IHS from hiring freezes and to protect its funding and staffing where possible.

Why this matters: Rural hospital closures and workforce shortages can remove nearby emergency care and disrupt local economies. Lawmakers asked for concrete commitments and studies the committee can use in appropriations and statutory reform work.

Discussion vs. direction vs. decision
- Discussion: Members detailed local impacts and asked whether CMS and HHS had or would take corrective action on the area wage index and rural hospital viability.
- Direction/assignment: Secretary Kennedy pledged to provide technical assistance and studies and to work with members and CMS to seek statutory remedies.
- Formal action: No statute or rule was enacted during the hearing; members requested further documentation and follow‑up.

Clarifying details
- Rural hospital closures: the chair said at least 14 Alabama hospitals closed in 2010 (as stated during opening remarks).
- IHS: Kennedy said he “spent 20% of my career working on tribal issues” and pledged to protect IHS funding, exempting it from some internal personnel reduction measures and supporting tribal autonomy for resource management.

What’s next: Committee members asked for technical analyses of the area wage index disaggregated by state and hospital type; the secretary committed to work with CMS and provide support for statutory solutions.","Members raised the long‑running problem of rural hospital finances, the CMS area wage index and workforce shortages; Secretary Kennedy pledged technical support and to protect Indian Health Service funding and staffing, but said statutory changes are required for some fixes.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6238332,"Lawmakers press HHS on thousands of missing unaccompanied children; secretary details new vetting steps",207,6423000,6630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3352798-b4c701cecf8290f965d638ae8f82eaab&start=6423&end=6630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3352798-b4c701cecf8290f965d638ae8f82eaab/thumbnail_6423000.jpg","/articles/6238332/Lawmakers-press-HHS-on-thousands-of-missing-unaccompanied-children-secretary-details-new-vetting-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238332-94e1536d765c1b5836e100fb91ccb58d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770934631&Signature=CGEmDfsPaTuPbMl58X6tFT94MMx9yfWkhbAzeAV6AvpB23FX1OYQOjqz9bR6cGPL4wuEegXYGOOEBwlseddPj8TNB9qOYYaHtcK9u4nVpEo3FuifrhA3JyjT7qpw6qyOkd-rfSVIUgPU~4zS445YlHaabZL8TPllS0p8wDyjVi9mKMum1IUgTLoV9sfy6VvBws~gbZ4q8UnZswlUxYZMl2gzkQD8ior1WMbeD4vSyh5Z8oDn-z6uHKPQXN5oL9VKepU5XwYrFMINIJt7Et5cPc2QghW6MqAa1VE31ZoYgidEokKLLq2p1p0egWZDRFpzO8W3vbMEqc9sQejMsOpzbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House members pressed Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about missing unaccompanied children placed by HHS, citing an inspector‑general estimate that as many as 291,000 such children may be unaccounted for and raising allegations of trafficking and sponsorship vetting failures.

Representative Clyde told the secretary the committee is “outraged” and described grand‑jury findings and other reporting alleging widespread sponsor failures and trafficking after children were released from federal custody. The congressman asked whether HHS had looked for missing children and how the department would hold contractors and staff accountable.

Kennedy described a stepped‑up, interagency effort. He said HHS has created a data‑sharing “war room” that compiles information on missing children and partners with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for enforcement actions when investigations locate children or identify unlawful sponsors. He told the committee HHS is now using fingerprinting, DNA testing, valid‑ID and income verification before releasing children to sponsors: “Nobody gets a kid without showing that they are a family member,” the secretary said.

Why this matters: Members emphasized the humanitarian urgency and legal obligations surrounding unaccompanied minors. The committee pressed for results and accountability after multiple examples were quoted in the hearing record of children later found in exploitative situations.

Discussion vs. direction vs. decision
- Discussion: Members recounted reported cases and the scale of missing children and asked for details about past failures.
- Direction/assignment: Secretary Kennedy said HHS is instituting stricter sponsor vetting (fingerprints, DNA, ID and income checks) and operating a dedicated team to locate and reunite missing children, in coordination with DHS and ICE.
- Formal action: No statutory changes or votes were recorded; the department described operational changes and investigative referrals to law enforcement.

Clarifying details and timeline
- Inspector‑general figure cited in the hearing: approximately 291,000 missing children (committee described as a “very low estimate” with some witnesses saying actual numbers could be higher). Representative Clyde referenced ongoing criminal task‑force activity, with the congressman saying his office had opened approximately 500 criminal investigations and referred roughly 80 cases to court (as stated in committee remarks).
- HHS actions: the secretary said the department is now performing fingerprinting and DNA testing on sponsors and conducting income and valid‑ID checks prior to release (operational steps described in testimony).

What’s next: Lawmakers sought detailed reports on the department’s vetting protocols, the results of the data‑sharing effort and metrics for locating missing children; the secretary said HHS and partner agencies are continuing investigations and will provide information as cases are developed.","Rep. Clyde and other members pressed Secretary Kennedy about an inspector‑general estimate that hundreds of thousands of unaccompanied children placed by HHS remain unaccounted for. The secretary described new vetting steps and a data‑sharing “war room” to locate children and pledged enhanced fingerprinting and DNA testing for sponsors.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

HHS secretary defends FY2026 overhaul; Democrats warn cuts will erode NIH, CDC and FDA programs

Kennedy touts plans to curb ultra‑processed foods and restrict food dyes; lawmakers press on evidence and dental policy

Lawmakers press HHS on rural hospital finances and Indian Health Service commitments

Lawmakers press HHS on thousands of missing unaccompanied children; secretary details new vetting steps