Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced strong criticism from Democratic senators during his recent appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee. The confrontation marks the latest in a series of congressional hearings where Kennedy has appeared unaware of decisions made by his own department.
According to MSCBC, during the hearing, Kennedy repeatedly claimed no knowledge of various policy changes and funding cuts that had been implemented under his leadership. When questioned about cuts to ALS research funding, the secretary stated that this was the first he had heard about such measures.
This pattern of apparent unawareness has become a recurring issue for Kennedy. In a previous interview with CBS News, he consistently told chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook that he was unaware of controversial actions LaPook referenced. Similar situations occurred during Kennedy’s testimonies before House and Senate committees last week.
Senator Murray questions who is making decisions at HHS
Democratic Senator Patty Murray of Washington expressed profound concern over Kennedy’s testimony. “Secretary Kennedy, listening to your testimony last week frankly left me pretty confused and concerned about what’s happening at your department,” Murray stated. “You repeatedly claimed that staffing and funding cuts that have been reported on publicly and even confirmed by [HHS] staff are not happening. So either you’re lying, or you’re not the one making decisions.”
Kennedy appeared displeased with this characterization but proceeded to Murray’s point in his response to her follow-up question. When asked specifically about who made the decision to withhold Child Care and Development Block Grant funding, Kennedy simply replied, “That was made by my department.”
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois also pressed Kennedy during the hearing. When Durbin inquired about HHS cutting funding for ALS research, Kennedy claimed this was the first time he had heard about such cuts, raising further questions about his awareness of departmental operations.
These exchanges have intensified concerns about Kennedy’s competence and his role in the department he leads. Political observers note that Murray’s pointed question about whether Kennedy is “the one making decisions” at HHS is likely to be echoed by others as scrutiny of his leadership continues.
The repeated instances of Kennedy being unaware of his department’s actions have become a significant issue. Critics argue that his inability to answer basic questions about HHS operations indicates either a lack of engagement or a deliberate attempt to distance himself from controversial decisions.
Published: May 21, 2025 12:50 pm