WASHINGTON – A bipartisan leader in the U.S. Senate committee addressing health policy has raised concerns about the future of key public health agencies, especially following the firing of the CDC director by President Donald Trump, which prompted several resignations among high-ranking officials.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, took to social media late Wednesday. He stated that “significant resignations will necessitate oversight by the Assistance Committee.”
In light of the upcoming meeting scheduled for September, Cassidy has urged the Advisory Committee on Vaccination Practices to postpone it indefinitely. He expressed worries about the agenda, member composition, and scientific rigor surrounding the meeting’s planning. “These decisions could significantly affect children’s health, and we shouldn’t proceed until we ensure thorough oversight. If the meeting occurs, any recommendations made should be dismissed due to the serious allegations concerning CDC leadership,” Cassidy commented.
Meanwhile, Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont and a ranking member of the committee, pushed for a bipartisan investigation into Trump’s ousting of CDC director Susan Monares shortly after her Senate confirmation. Sanders emphasized that Monares and others who recently resigned should testify publicly to clarify the situation within the agency.
“We need CDC and HHS leaders committed to enhancing public health and who stand firmly by scientific principles, rather than those known for spreading conspiracy theories and misinformation,” Sanders added.
During a briefing, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt defended Trump’s decision to fire Monales, citing her misalignment with his health agenda. She remarked, “Her lawyer revealed that she wasn’t aligned with the president’s mission to improve American health. The secretary asked her to resign, and after some back-and-forth, the president made the decision to fire her.”
Senator Cassidy is a pivotal vote regarding Kennedy’s confirmation as health and human services director. Throughout the confirmation process, he has voiced worries about Kennedy’s previous remarks on vaccines, which he believes lack a strong foundation in credible medical science.
In a prior speech after supporting Kennedy’s appointment, Cassidy assured that he intends to protect the benefits of vaccination. “If Kennedy is confirmed, I will oppose any endeavors to limit access to vital vaccines unless backed by solid scientific evidence that can withstand scrutiny from the scientific community and Congress. I will closely examine any efforts that aim to alleviate public anxiety regarding vaccines while potentially muddying the waters with anecdotal claims,” he stated.
