U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, led a hearing in Washington D.C. with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The hearing focused on the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for HHS.
Senator Capito emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation in her opening statement, noting the commitment of Senators Collins and Murray to regular order in appropriations processes. She expressed gratitude to Secretary Kennedy for his presence at the hearing.
Capito highlighted the goal shared by all parties involved: improving American health outcomes. She commended Secretary Kennedy’s early initiatives as head of HHS aimed at reorganizing the department to promote health improvements across America.
The senator raised concerns about a proposed 26% reduction in HHS funding, acknowledging efforts by President Trump and Secretary Kennedy to scrutinize departmental programs carefully. Capito stressed that efficient funding allocation should prioritize biomedical research investments crucial for life-saving advancements.
Biomedical research was underscored as a critical area requiring continued investment, with Capito pointing out its role in developing treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. The senator mentioned personal connections to Alzheimer’s disease as both her parents succumbed to it.
Capito addressed wasteful spending concerns while urging timely expenditure of Congress-appropriated funds for fiscal year 2025. She highlighted ongoing substance abuse challenges in West Virginia, expressing interest in understanding how budget proposals will affect these issues.
Rural healthcare remained a top priority for Senator Capito who pointed out disparities faced by rural Americans compared to urban counterparts regarding health outcomes. HRSA’s role in addressing rural health challenges was acknowledged alongside queries about its proposed move under new administrative structures within AHA.
The hearing represented an initial step towards evaluating HHS’s fiscal year 2026 priorities while seeking effective resource utilization benefiting American health broadly across various demographics and regions.
