1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I’m writing to express my profound concern over Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.‘s conduct during today’s Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on the HHS budget. His behavior was not only unprofessional but also deeply troubling. Secretary Kennedy launched a personal attack on Senator Patty Murray, accusing her of presiding “over the destruction of U.S. health for decades.” Such inflammatory rhetoric is unbecoming of a Cabinet official and detracts from constructive policy discourse. Furthermore, Secretary Kennedy’s testimony included a vehement critique of the World Health Organization, labeling it “moribund” and urging other nations to withdraw from it. This stance undermines global health collaboration, especially at a time when coordinated responses to health crises are paramount. The proposed HHS budget reflects drastic cuts to essential public health programs, including a 26% reduction in discretionary health spending and significant downsizing of agencies like the CDC and NIH. Such measures threaten the integrity of our nation’s health infrastructure. Additionally, the reorganization plan to consolidate multiple agencies into a new “Administration for a Healthy America” raises concerns about the centralization of power and potential erosion of specialized expertise within HHS. I urge you to hold Secretary Kennedy accountable for his conduct and to scrutinize the proposed budget and reorganization plans that could jeopardize the health and well-being of Americans.