U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito is continuing discussions on President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.
Tuesday was Capito’s first hearing in her new role as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. During the hearing, Capito addressed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., praising the changes he has made to the department so far.
Capito also applauded RFK Jr.’s decision to return NIOSH staff back to the office last week. However, while the senator says that it’s a good first step, she encourages him to look closely at all NIOSH offices and bring back critical staff.
“There are still other divisions within NIOSH with specialized staff who conduct essential, unique work. I support the president’s vision to right-size our government, but as you and I have discussed, I don’t think eliminating NIOSH programs will accomplish that goal. I encourage you to look at this closely,” Capito said to RFK Jr. in the hearing.
Capito also says she plans to work with the administration to continue and fund research toward curing Alzheimer’s disease, which she has been passionate about, as both of her parents lived with the disease.