Chairman Aderholt Urges Bold Health Reforms in Hearing with HHS Secretary Kennedy

U.S. Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL4), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, emphasized the urgent need to reform the nation’s public health system during a budget hearing Wednesday featuring U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The hearing centered on the Department’s priorities for Fiscal Year 2026. In his remarks, Aderholt expressed frustration with the country's health care outcomes despite massive federal spending.

“Despite spending nearly $2 trillion annually on health care, America continues to face unacceptable health outcomes,” Aderholt said. “We need bold, innovative approaches—not simply more spending—to truly improve the health of our citizens. I’m encouraged by Secretary Kennedy’s willingness to bring fresh perspectives and reforms to HHS.”

Aderholt welcomed Kennedy, who was recently confirmed as HHS Secretary, and commended his early efforts under the Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative. He voiced confidence that Kennedy’s leadership could restore public trust in federal health agencies.

The Congressman drew particular attention to the challenges in rural communities, including his own state of Alabama. He pointed to high rates of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, along with declining rural hospital resources and ongoing health care worker shortages.

“The health care challenges in rural America are urgent and deeply personal for the communities we serve,” Aderholt said. “I’m committed to working with Secretary Kennedy to find practical, life-affirming solutions to protect access to care and support our rural hospitals and providers.”

Aderholt also praised Kennedy’s stance on protecting medical conscience rights and pro-life values.

“As a strong supporter of the right to life, I appreciate Secretary Kennedy’s pledge to uphold these fundamental values,” he stated.

The Chairman expressed concern over actions taken by the previous administration, including alleged violations of the Helms Amendment—such as reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded abortion-related activities overseas. He also criticized the denial of Title X funds to states that declined to offer abortion counseling, which he said conflicted with state laws.

Aderholt further highlighted the link between border security and public health. He credited former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies with reducing the flow of illicit drugs and minimizing human trafficking.

“The President’s actions at the border are not only a national security issue but a public health victory as well,” Aderholt said.

Discussions also touched on potential structural reforms within HHS, including the proposed creation of a new “Administration for a Healthy America” and changes to the National Institutes of Health. Aderholt voiced support for these initiatives, signaling bipartisan opportunities for legislative cooperation.

“Reforming Washington is never easy,” he concluded. “But we in Congress stand ready to work with the Secretary and the Administration to deliver lasting, meaningful improvements to our health care system.”