RFK Jr. Told To 'Hold Back' After Testy Exchange With Dem Senator Over HHS Funding

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) was told to "hold back" after getting into a tense exchange with Democratic Senator Patty Murray during a congressional hearing on Tuesday.

"Whose decision was to withhold childcare and development block grant funding?" Murray asked. Kennedy began to answer, but Murray interrupted to request RFK Jr. get to the point of the question. That led the HHS secretary to claim that Murray had "made an accusation."

"You presided here for 32 years. You presided over the destruction of health of the American people. Our people are now the sickest people in the world because you have not done your job. What have you done about it? What have you done about the epidemic of chronic disease?" RFK Jr. claimed while Sen. Murray attempted to intervene.

The exchange ended after Republican Senator Shelley Capito told RFK Jr. to "hold back" and let her ask her questions.

Sen. Capito herself also expressed concerns over the elimination of programs, including those at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

"I support the President's vision to right-size our government, but as you and I have discussed, I don't think eliminating NIOSH programs will accomplish that goal," Capito said during a passage of the hearing.

The concern was echoed by Sen. Mike Rounds, who made reference to the fact that NIOSH hosts mining research programs. Kennedy told the official he wanted to work with him on the issue, adding that "we need to protect our miners."

NBC News noted that the White House's proposal for the 2026 budget would slash HHS's discretionary funding by 26%. Funding for the National Institutes of Health would be slashed by nearly $18 billion compared to fiscal year 2025.

Kennedy also made headlines during a congressional budget hearing last week, when he side-stepped a direct question about whether he would vaccinate his children against measles should they be young today.

"For measles, probably for measles, you know," Kennedy began, before quickly pivoting. "What I would say is my opinions about vaccines are irrelevant... I don't think people should be taking medical advice from me."

The Health and Human Services Secretary has come under fire in recent weeks over a string of moves — from backing the end of a federal program that distributes life-saving overdose medication, to floating the idea of a national database for people with autism. He also made headlines for taking a swim in a sewage-contaminated river despite public health warnings advising against it.