Cassidy slams RFK Jr. for "series of failures" as HHS secretary

GOP Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana harshly criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his performance as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, claiming a series of failures. Speaking on "Face the Nation," Cassidy listed several issues, including high health care costs, increased measles deaths, losing measles elimination status, and a lack of progress on addressing ultra-processed foods.

Cassidy, a medical doctor who is stepping down from the Senate after his reelection loss, had been in conflict with Kennedy over his vaccine policy and other stances for months. Kennedy's confirmation to the HHS position depended on Cassidy's support, but the senator ultimately backed the nomination after receiving assurances from the administration.

However, Cassidy said the promised collaborative working relationship did not materialize, pointing to Kennedy's recent comments suggesting Republicans no longer had leverage over him. Cassidy accused Kennedy of attempting to cover up his failures, particularly in the area of ultra-processed foods, for which the movement backing Kennedy had hoped for improvements.

The senator also questioned the idea that Democrats would make it easier for Kennedy, arguing it was about addressing the series of failures. Cassidy suggested the president should change his approach, implying the American voters' rejection of the status quo in the recent midterms signaled the need for something different. Cassidy also weighed in on the U.S. losing its measles elimination status, emphasizing the potential dangers for unvaccinated adults, young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.

He urged the president to speak out and emphasized the importance of repeatedly addressing this issue. Cassidy's comments come as the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, where he serves, is set to vote on Heidi Overton's nomination for FDA Commissioner this week.