Kennedy defends measles record and says 'I have never been anti-vaccine'.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced Democratic criticism at a House hearing about rising U.S. measles cases, and he denied being anti-vaccine while disputing that his tenure caused the increase.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the House Education and Workforce Committee and faced renewed criticism from Democratic members. The appearance was formally about next year’s HHS budget but focused heavily on the recent spread of measles in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,288 measles cases last year, the most since 1991. Democrats highlighted his past vaccine skepticism and some urged his resignation. Key points: - Kennedy testified amid questions about rising measles cases and defended his record. - The CDC reported 2,288 U.S. measles cases last year, and some areas are below the vaccination level linked to herd immunity. - Democrats including Rep. Haley Stevens, who introduced articles of impeachment in December 2025, criticized Kennedy’s history on vaccines and urged leadership changes. - Kennedy said he is not anti-vaccine and argued measles were rising before his tenure; infectious disease experts cited declining vaccine coverage as a driver and noted no deaths in healthy people have been shown to be caused by the MMR vaccine. Summary: Tensions over measles and vaccination policy continued during the hearing, with Democratic lawmakers sharply critical of Kennedy’s record and Republican members more supportive. Public health officials point to falling vaccine coverage as a central factor in recent outbreaks. Undetermined at this time.