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Kennedy to tout new food policies but skip vaccines in remarks to US Congress

Kennedy to tout new food policies but skip vaccines in remarks to US Congress

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Health Secretary Robert F.

Vought Defends Fiscal 2027 Budget Amid Criticism of OMB Spending Law Violations

Vought Defends Fiscal 2027 Budget Amid Criticism of OMB Spending Law Violations

Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought defended the Trump administration's fiscal 2027 budget request before the House Budget Committee. The budget proposes a 10% reduction in non-defense agency spending while increasing defense funding by 44%. Democrats criticized Vought for alleged violations of spending laws, particularly regarding impoundments, where the executive branch delays or withholds congressionally approved spending. Vought argued that the administration's actions comply with the law, despite disagreements with the Government Accountability Office's findings.

Kansas Lawmakers' Attempt to Change Vaccine Recommendations Fails

Kansas Lawmakers' Attempt to Change Vaccine Recommendations Fails

Kansas lawmakers' efforts to align the state's vaccine schedule with the Trump administration's scaled-back recommendations have stalled. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had updated the CDC guidelines, reducing the number of recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11. However, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) chose not to adopt these changes, leading Republican lawmakers to attempt to mandate compliance through a budget proviso. Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the budget item, citing potential confusion among parents regarding vaccine choices. The decision reflects ongoing debates over vaccine policy and public health standards.

US Vaccine Guidance Faces Uncertainty Under Trump Administration Amid Legal Challenges

US Vaccine Guidance Faces Uncertainty Under Trump Administration Amid Legal Challenges

The U.S. vaccine guidance is facing significant uncertainty following a judge's stay on changes implemented by the Trump administration. This has resulted in the loss of CDC recommendations for several vaccines, including flu and COVID-19 shots. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which was halted, had made controversial decisions affecting routine childhood vaccines. The legal challenge, initiated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, has led to a suspension of new vaccine recommendations, impacting access to vaccines in states that rely on CDC guidelines. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, in the decision-making process.

OMB Director Vought Defends 2027 Budget Amid Accusations of Spending Law Violations

OMB Director Vought Defends 2027 Budget Amid Accusations of Spending Law Violations

Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, defended the Trump administration's fiscal 2027 budget request before the House Budget Committee. The budget proposes a 10% reduction in non-defense spending while increasing defense funding by 44% to $1.5 trillion. Democrats criticized Vought for alleged violations of spending laws, specifically impoundments, where the executive branch delays or withholds congressionally approved spending. The Government Accountability Office identified five instances of such violations. Vought argued that the administration's actions comply with the law and criticized the GAO's findings as partisan. The budget also includes a freeze on federal civilian pay and reductions in project grants from science agencies.

GOP Proposes Three-Year Funding for Immigration Enforcement Amid DHS Shutdown

GOP Proposes Three-Year Funding for Immigration Enforcement Amid DHS Shutdown

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has proposed a plan to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol for three years using the budget reconciliation process. This move aims to end the two-month shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has been stalled due to disagreements over immigration enforcement policies. The Senate has already approved a regular funding bill for DHS, but it remains stalled in the House. Thune's plan involves passing a narrow bill focused on ICE and Border Patrol funding, potentially bypassing Democratic demands for reforms. The House must first adopt a budget resolution before Republicans can proceed with the funding bill. The shutdown began after Democrats insisted on new safeguards for immigration enforcement following incidents involving federal immigration officers.

Department of Health and Human Services Reverses Staffing Cuts for 9/11 Health Program

Department of Health and Human Services Reverses Staffing Cuts for 9/11 Health Program

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reversed staffing cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program, which provides medical care for 9/11 first responders and survivors. This decision follows concerns raised by New York lawmakers, including Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, who had expressed their disapproval of the staffing reductions. The program, which has enrolled over 140,000 individuals, has been approved to hire 37 more employees, aiming to reach a total of 120 full-time workers. The staffing cuts had previously led to delays in claims processing and treatment authorizations, affecting the timely care of those enrolled.

Senate rejects effort to halt arms sales to Israel, but most Democrats vote to block them

Senate rejects effort to halt arms sales to Israel, but most Democrats vote to block them

More than three dozen Democrats supported an effort by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday to block arms sales to Israel, signaling a growing discontent in the party with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the wars in Gaza and Iran

Senate Republicans Push Resolution to Lift Mining Ban Near Boundary Waters

Senate Republicans Push Resolution to Lift Mining Ban Near Boundary Waters

Congressional Republicans have advanced a resolution to President Trump that seeks to lift a federal ban on mining near Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This move aims to facilitate a South American company's extraction of precious metals from the region's pristine environment. The House approved the resolution last month, and the Senate followed with a 50-49 vote. The decision has sparked controversy, with Democrats warning that it could set a precedent for reducing protections on public lands nationwide. Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith have voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the potential environmental damage and the cultural significance of the area to Minnesotans. The resolution is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to boost domestic mineral production.

White House favors former deputy surgeon general to lead CDC, Washington Post says

White House favors former deputy surgeon general to lead CDC, Washington Post says

April 14 (Reuters) - The White House is considering Erica Schwartz as the new leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Washington Post said on Tuesday, citing three sources who sought anonymity to speak about the plan.

EPA Delays PFAS Approvals Amid MAHA Movement Concerns

EPA Delays PFAS Approvals Amid MAHA Movement Concerns

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Lee Zeldin, is delaying approvals for the use of 'forever chemicals' known as PFAS. This decision is influenced by concerns over potential backlash from the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The MAHA movement has been advocating for stricter controls on chemicals in the U.S. food supply. Despite the Trump administration's broader agenda to roll back environmental regulations, the EPA is holding back on PFAS approvals, which contrasts with its deregulatory efforts. PFAS are used in various products, including nonstick pans and firefighting foam, and are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, such as cancer and immune system issues.

Trump Administration Considers Houman Hemmati for Top FDA Vaccine Post Amid Scrutiny

Trump Administration Considers Houman Hemmati for Top FDA Vaccine Post Amid Scrutiny

The Trump administration is evaluating Houman Hemmati, an ophthalmologist and frequent Fox News guest, for a leading role at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the top regulator of vaccines and treatments for complex diseases. This consideration comes as Vinay Prasad, the current holder of the position, is set to leave at the end of April after a contentious tenure marked by controversial drug approval decisions. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary reportedly supports Hemmati's candidacy, although no final decision has been made. Hemmati's potential appointment is occurring during a period of increased scrutiny from the White House on FDA operations, which has unsettled the pharmaceutical industry that depends on the agency's consistent regulatory framework.