During a series of contentious congressional hearings, U.S. Health Secretary RFK Jr. defended significant budget cuts and staffing reductions within the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department while facing fierce criticism from Democrats. Lawmakers pressed him on issues such as the response to a measles outbreak and recent HHS turmoil, with Kennedy stating, "I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me" when questioned about vaccination policies. Amid concerns over his proposed cuts, he acknowledged that certain reductions would negatively impact research but stood firm on the necessity of streamlining the agency. Tensions escalated as some protested his handling of public health and vaccine issues, while RFK Jr. received support from GOP lawmakers who raised local concerns. The hearings highlighted a polarizing political landscape regarding health policy and the approach to public health crises.