Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has yet to gain Senate confirmation to become secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), but his plans to revamp the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies were a widely discussed topic during a congressional hearing on Nov. 19.
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kennedy to head the HHS, which includes the NIH, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among other agencies. Kennedy has said he will make substantial changes to agencies such as the NIH as HHS secretary.
Before he can begin the role, Kennedy must receive confirmation from the Senate, an outcome that will be more likely with Republicans regaining control of the chamber in January….