Senator Cassidy votes to confirm HHS secretary after securing vaccine data commitments

Sen. ) said in a Sunday interview that he voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary because he believed Kennedy would have direct access to the president and wanted to ensure guardrails on vaccine policy. " He cited polling showing public support for vaccines and referenced a measles outbreak in which thousands of children were affected.

The senator stated that an agreement with Kennedy regarding the CDC's autism and vaccines webpage had been broken.

trust concerns Cassidy said the administration has shifted from an "anti-vaccine message" to a more positive stance following the measles outbreak. He added that Kennedy "serves at the president's pleasure" and that it would be "easy to surmise" the confirmation vote involved political considerations.

The senator declined to comment on whether Kennedy should remain in the role or face impeachment proceedings if Democrats regain congressional control. He noted that several HHS leadership positions remain unfilled, including surgeon general and CDC director.

Additional context from Senate colleagues Sen.

), the HELP committee's ranking member, has previously called for investigations into recent firings of a vaccine advisory committee and Kennedy's statements on vaccines. Sanders released emails last week showing changes to flu vaccine campaigns, access restrictions, and COVID-19 recommendations.

Cassidy said he was impressed by candidates for the vacant positions but expected they would be approved. The Hill has reached out to HHS for comment.