Republican lawmakers questioned the public’s trust in the National Institutes of Health during the hearing.
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.
Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, director of the NIH, appeared before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies on Tuesday to discuss the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which requests $50.1 billion in discretionary and mandatory resources for the NIH.
Bertagnolli, a cancer researcher, is expected to submit a resignation letter to Trump after he takes office in late January.
“This funding will allow