WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats in the House of Representatives demanded answers on Wednesday from U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the exact number of employees fired from the health agencies he oversees and warned the dismissals could undermine public health.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved to rescind the longtime practice of giving the public a chance to comment on the health agency’s plans.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F ... Kennedy’s office appeared to argue that rescinding the policy goes back to the original intent of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).