Committee Democrats Demand HHS Secretary Testify in Overdue Budget Oversight Hearing

Committee Democrats Demand HHS Secretary Testify in Overdue Budget Oversight Hearing

WASHINGTON - Today, Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03) led all Committee Democrats in urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to appear before the Committee on Education and Workforce for an annual budget oversight hearing. Since being confirmed, Secretary Kennedy has not appeared before the Committee.

The Members emphasized the importance of budget oversight hearings in the Committee's work to improve the health, welfare, and safety of American families. The Members argued that without these hearings, Congress and the American people are left in the dark regarding the policies and priorities of the Department of Health and Human Services.

"The annual budget oversight hearing is a longstanding and essential component of the Committee's responsibility to review federal spending, assess program performance, and ensure accountability in the programs within our jurisdiction," wrote the Members. "Unfortunately, to date, and despite multiple requests, the Committee has had no opportunity to hear from you on the various actions taken over the past year that impact the lives of all of our constituents and the American public at large."

Additionally, the Members asserted that Secretary Kennedy's actions over the course of his term warrant scrutiny to ensure that HHS prioritizes the health and safety of Americans. Earlier this year, Democrats demanded accountability after Secretary Kennedy announced his decision to illegally freeze funding for critical programs in Democratic-led states.

To read the full letter, click here.

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