Sen. Bill Cassidy Supports Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s HHS Nomination Despite Vaccine Skepticism Concerns

2025-02-28

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) cast a pivotal vote in the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, advancing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the full Senate. The 14-13 party-line vote came despite Cassidy’s previous reservations about Kennedy’s qualifications, particularly his history of promoting vaccine skepticism. Cassidy, a practicing gastroenterologist, had expressed concerns during Kennedy’s confirmation hearings last week, questioning whether the 70-year-old nominee could change his long-standing anti-vaccine stance. However, after “intense conversations” with Kennedy and Vice President JD Vance over the weekend, Cassidy decided to support the nomination, citing “serious commitments” from the administration and shared priorities like promoting healthy foods and a pro-American agenda.

Kennedy, a prominent anti-vaccine activist, has faced criticism for promoting misinformation about vaccines, including a debunked link between vaccines and autism. During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy denied being anti-vaccine, instead framing his position as pro-safety. Despite this, Senate Democrats and some Republicans, including Cassidy, remained skeptical of his ability to lead the nation’s federal health agencies. Cassidy acknowledged that Kennedy is unlikely to change his views but ultimately prioritized political considerations, as he faces reelection in a state that strongly supports former President Trump.

The nomination now moves to the Senate floor, where Kennedy can afford to lose up to three Republican votes and still be confirmed, with Vice President Vance breaking any potential tie. The outcome remains uncertain, as several GOP senators who opposed Kennedy’s nomination in committee could still vote against him in the full Senate. Meanwhile, Democrats, including Finance Committee ranking member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), have reiterated their concerns, warning that confirming Kennedy would undermine public trust in science and health policy. The vote sets the stage for a contentious debate over the future of U.S. health leadership.

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