The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance held a Full Committee Hearing on July 31, 2025, to discuss nominations for key positions in trade, health, and treasury. A significant focus of the meeting was the nomination of Mr. Stewart as the top lawyer at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he would advise Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on legal matters, particularly regarding the management of federal funding for mental health and substance abuse programs.

Senator Elizabeth Warren raised concerns about the opioid crisis and the allocation of over $7 billion for prevention and treatment efforts. She pressed Mr. Stewart on the legal framework governing the cancellation of grants administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Citing specific statutory language, she questioned whether Secretary Kennedy could arbitrarily cancel grants based on personal biases or preferences, such as disliking a recipient's appearance or political affiliation.

Mr. Stewart affirmed that the law stipulates grants can only be terminated if a state materially fails to comply with the terms of the agreement. He emphasized that any cancellation outside these legal parameters would be illegal. Despite the straightforward nature of the statutory language, the exchange highlighted the importance of adhering to legal guidelines in the administration of federal funds.

Senator Warren's inquiries underscored the critical need for accountability in the distribution of resources aimed at addressing pressing public health issues. The discussion also reflected broader concerns about the potential misuse of authority within federal agencies. The committee's deliberations will continue as they evaluate the nominees and their capacity to uphold the law in their respective roles.