The US Senate Committee on Finance convened on September 4, 2025, to discuss the President’s 2026 Health Care Agenda, with a focus on the actions and statements of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The meeting was marked by significant partisan tensions, particularly regarding vaccine policies and the credibility of the Secretary's testimony.

During the session, a committee member accused Secretary Kennedy of lying to the committee about his actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. The senator highlighted that Kennedy had previously stated he would not take actions that would discourage vaccination, a claim the senator disputed, citing Kennedy's attempts to restrict vaccine access. The senator also criticized Kennedy for allegedly spreading misinformation about the number of missing children under the Biden administration, which he described as a false narrative used to justify actions against immigrant families.

In response to these allegations, the committee chairman defended the decision not to formally swear in Secretary Kennedy as a witness, emphasizing that all administration witnesses are treated equally. The chairman acknowledged the partisan disagreements present in the meeting but insisted that the Secretary would have the opportunity to present his case.

Secretary Kennedy began his opening statement by expressing condolences for a police officer who lost his life during a recent attack on the CDC, underscoring the human impact of health policy discussions. He then aimed to summarize the accomplishments of the Department of Health and Human Services over the past year.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing divisions within the Senate regarding health care policies and the management of public health crises, setting the stage for further debates as the 2026 Health Care Agenda unfolds. The committee's discussions reflect broader national conversations about vaccine policy, misinformation, and the role of government in public health.