RFK Jr. defends HHS cuts, backtracks, and lashes out at hearings

Isabella Cueto covers the leading causes of death and disability: chronic diseases. Her focus includes autoimmune conditions and diseases of the lungs, kidneys, liver (and more). She writes about intriguing research, the promises and pitfalls of treatment, and what can be done about the burden of disease. You can reach Isabella on Signal at isabellacueto.03.

WASHINGTON — In hours of combative congressional hearings Wednesday, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. swung between defending sweeping changes at his agency and backtracking on aspects of a reorganization he nevertheless said would be “painful.”

He repeatedly cast doubts on reports about negative impacts of the changes, often calling them a “canard.” For instance, he claimed that amid sweeping cuts to his agency, “we did not fire any working scientists.”

His statement before the Senate HELP Committee seems to contradict news reports and former agency staff, who say deep funding cuts have halted scientific research and clinical trials across the country.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

View All Plans