US President Donald Trump’s nominee to run the top health agency, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, is facing opposition from Republicans over his stance on vaccines. Senator Bill Cassidy expressed reservations about Kennedy’s views on vaccines, citing “misleading arguments” and questioning whether he can change his approach now that he’ll have a key position in shaping vaccine policy.
Kennedy has been criticized for past comments linking vaccines to autism and opposing state and federal restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He argues that he is not against vaccines but was misrepresented by news reports. Kennedy also faces scrutiny over his financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, including an arrangement to earn 10% of fees awarded in contingency cases.
The nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions is a courtesy hearing with no vote involved, but Republican Senators Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins are seen as potential swing votes against Kennedy. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee more than $3 trillion in healthcare spending and have significant influence over vaccine policy.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/kennedy-fresh-off-grilling-heads-back-us-senate-second-hearing-2025-01-30