Health Secretary Kennedy defends decisions and firings in opening statement

HHS Initiatives & Priorities - HHS is shifting from a sick care system to a health care system, addressing chronic disease root causes [3] - The administration released the MA report assessment on childhood chronic disease drivers [4] - HHS is addressing food dyes, baby formula contamination, and other health concerns [5] - HHS is ending gain of function research, child mutilation, and reducing animal testing [7] - HHS is focusing on aiding low-income and vulnerable families, regardless of race [9] - HHS is investing $1 billion into Head Start and the Administration for Children and Families [9] - HHS is addressing disastrous health conditions in tribal communities [12] - The administration is investing in rural healthcare through the rural health transformation fund [13] Financial Management & Efficiency - HHS is saving taxpayers $14 billion annually by eliminating duplicative enrollments in CMS [8] CDC Restructuring - Changes at CDC are necessary to restore its role as the gold standard public health agency [15] - The administration aims to remove officials with conflicts of interest and bad judgment at CDC [16]