Aderholt Meets with HHS Secretary Kennedy to Discuss Healthcare Priorities
Tuesday breakfast meeting focused on healthcare priorities for the upcoming fiscal year
U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL-04), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, met with Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. over breakfast on Tuesday to discuss healthcare priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
Following the meeting, Aderholt issued a statement emphasizing the value of the discussion and the importance of collaboration on federal health initiatives.
“I appreciated the opportunity to join Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for breakfast this morning at the HHS Headquarters,” Aderholt said. “It was a productive conversation and a valuable chance for the Secretary to hear directly from Congressional leaders on healthcare about our priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.”
With budget negotiations for the 2026 fiscal year approaching, Aderholt stressed the need for responsible federal spending and effective healthcare programs. He welcomed Secretary Kennedy’s commitment to bipartisan cooperation and his vision to "Make America Healthy Again."
“Our Committee stands ready to work with him on areas where our goals align, and to have honest conversations where they do not; an approach he has welcomed,” Aderholt stated.
The meeting, hosted at Kennedy’s invitation, was intended to open dialogue between HHS leadership and congressional committee chairs. The discussion provided an opportunity to identify common policy goals and potential areas for collaboration in the coming year.
“This introductory meeting was a positive first step, and I remain hopeful for a constructive working relationship moving forward,” Aderholt concluded.
The breakfast gathering signals an early effort by Secretary Kennedy to engage with lawmakers as he takes the helm at HHS. As Congress moves into budget negotiations, healthcare policy is expected to be a key focus, with debates likely on funding allocations, program effectiveness, and broader public health initiatives.
