Representative Kim Schlieu (D-Wash.) has accused Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of deceiving Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) during a recent budget hearing hosted by the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee.
In her remarks, pediatrician Schlieu highlighted the harmful consequences of neglecting childhood vaccinations for diseases like whooping cough. She stated, “Isn’t it great that we have a vaccine for this?” adding that an advisory committee of experts helps determine which vaccines are necessary and their timing.
“I am aware that Senator Cassidy has expressed concern about your views. When he confirmed your appointment as HHS secretary on February 4th, he noted, ‘If confirmed, he will uphold the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices unchanged,'” Schlieu explained.
She then confronted Kennedy, saying, “Yet you dismissed all 17 members of that committee just two weeks ago. Did you mislead him when you asserted you wouldn’t alter this panel of experts?”
Kennedy refuted Schlieu’s claims about his commitment to Cassidy, asserting that if the Louisiana Senator believes that, it’s “inaccurate.” He remarked, “I’ve talked with him about that agreement multiple times.”
He had recently dismissed all members of the Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices (ACIP) due to alleged conflicts of interest, replacing them with eight new appointees, some of whom are linked to vaccine and Covid-19 misinformation.
Cassidy, chair of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, previously had doubts about supporting Kennedy’s confirmation. Ultimately, he decided to vote for Kennedy, having received assurances regarding vaccine safety.
Schlieu emphasized at the hearing, “For many of us here today, it appears that Senator Cassidy trusts you more than I do when it comes to vaccinations. It seems you provided him with convenient answers to secure his approval. You lied to Senator Cassidy.”
In response, Kennedy claimed he has met all commitments made to Cassidy.
Before concluding her statements, Schlieu said pointedly, “I will hold you accountable for any deaths from diseases preventable by vaccines.”
On Monday, Cassidy requested that this week’s ACIP meeting be postponed, citing concerns that Kennedy’s newly appointed members lack the necessary experience.
He stated on social media, “Wednesday’s meeting should not proceed with a limited panel, nor should we introduce CDC directors to endorse the panel’s recommendations.” Cassidy argued that the meeting should wait until the committee is adequately staffed to provide diverse and qualified perspectives, as mandated by law, to prevent skepticism regarding ACIP recommendations.
When Cassidy confirmed his vote for Kennedy, he reiterated that the advisory board would remain intact without changes. He also mentioned that Kennedy had asked for his input on HHS staffing beyond his Senate role.
A spokesperson for Cassidy conveyed to Hill, “As Senator Cassidy has publicly stated, this commitment is less about staffing and more about the ACIP process.”
