RFK Jr. Heads for HHS, BUT Cassidy on the Fence

President Trump tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services, promising he’d “go wild” on health policy.

Kennedy faced a Senate, for the second day, grilling him over his vaccine views and healthcare stances.

ABC News reports:

President Donald Trump has promised he’d let Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “go wild” on health, food and medicine as head of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Kennedy, a Democrat who ran as an independent but ended up supporting Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign, was grilled by senators over his views on vaccines, abortion, Medicaid and more during two days of confirmation hearings.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, concluded Thursday’s hearing by saying he was “struggling” with the nomination due to Kennedy’s vaccine positions. Kennedy notably refused to say vaccines don’t cause autism as he faced pointed question from lawmakers.

Chairman Bill Cassidy, a Republican, ended the hearing by speaking to his own experience as a physician and his dedication to saving lives.

Cassidy is a key vote in Kennedy’s nomination and has openly expressed reservations about his stance on vaccines. The senator said Thursday his responsibility was to learn if Kennedy can “be trusted to support the best public health.”

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“You may be hearing from me over the weekend,” Cassidy told Kennedy.

Cassidy is basically saying: “Just bow the knee to vaccines and everything will be fine for you.”

Senator Bill Cassidy: "I recognize, man, if you come out unequivocally, vaccines are safe, it does not cause autism, that would have an incredible impact."

"That's your power. So what's it gonna be? Will it be using the credibility to support? Lots of articles. Or will it be… pic.twitter.com/1Lh94zCKgX

— Camus (@newstart_2024) January 30, 2025

I wonder why Cassidy would be against Kennedy?

I wonder why Bill Cassidy is struggling with voting yes ? 🤔

I’ll show you why…

HEY BILLY!
@BillCassidy

VOTE YES on RFK or we go door to door in your district showing everyone this 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/iSivBxOQ7m

— Vinnie @ The PSP-Podcast (@PSP_Podcast) January 30, 2025

Cassidy better make the right decision. If not, someone’s coming after his job.

If Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) does not vote for President Trump’s cabinet picks,

I will personally come to Louisiana to oust him in 2026.

We helped elect Governor Jeff Landry & built statewide support across Louisiana.

Btw, Cassidy voted to convict President Trump.

— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) January 23, 2025

Here’s his opening statement:

WATCH: RFK Jr's opening statement on day 2 of his confirmation hearing for HHS Secretarypic.twitter.com/nV6eEaSlFY

— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) January 30, 2025