Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced heated questioning from lawmakers regarding coordination with the EPA and vacant leadership positions across federal health agencies that could hamper crisis response capabilities…

Tense Exchange Over EPA Coordination

Representative Steven Horsford pressed Kennedy about whether HHS coordinated with the Environmental Protection Agency on rolling back protections against heavy metals in drinking water. The exchange grew contentious when Kennedy told the Nevada Democrat to “calm down” and later suggested “people scream when they don’t have much to say.” Kennedy accused Horsford of not allowing him time to answer the question before launching another accusation.

Leadership Gaps Raise Safety Concerns

Representative Jimmy Panetta highlighted the national security risk posed by vacant positions across federal health agencies. He pointed to the Senate’s failure to confirm Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General, citing her controversial positions on vaccines, birth control, and pesticides that have drawn bipartisan criticism. The CDC also lacks a permanent director after Susan Monarez was fired in August following disagreements with Kennedy over vaccine policy. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya currently oversees the agency temporarily until a new nominee emerges.

Multiple Political Developments Unfold

The hearing occurred amid several other political developments. New Jersey held a special election between progressive activist Analilia Mejia and Republican Joe Hathaway to fill Governor Mikie Sherrill’s former House seat. A federal judge halted construction on Trump’s planned White House ballroom, finding the administration tried to circumvent previous rulings requiring Congressional approval for the project. The House also voted 213-214 along party lines to reject a resolution ordering Trump to end military operations with Iran.

Redistricting Battle Shifts Timeline

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis delayed the state’s redistricting session from April 20 to April 28, giving lawmakers extra time to finalize maps amid significant infighting between legislative leaders and the governor’s office. The delay means Florida will address redistricting after Virginia voters decide whether to authorize Democratic-favorable map changes. Representative Byron Donalds noted the cascading effect of state redistricting efforts responding to changes in Texas, California, and Virginia. DeSantis maintains the redraw responds to population changes rather than partisan gerrymandering, which remains illegal in Florida.