GOP Senator Cassidy criticizes Senator Kennedy's vaccine panel, but he is not ready to take action.

For Americans worried about the state of public health, this week has brought particularly alarming news. On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) appointed Martin Kulldorff, a prominent critic of vaccines, as chief science officer for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation.

Two days later, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) named Dr. Tracy Beth Hoeg to lead its drug division, following her recent anti-vaccine research. On the same day, it was revealed that Kirk Milhoan, known for promoting controversial claims about Covid vaccines, would chair the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is reviewing major revisions to the childhood vaccine schedule.

On Friday morning, the situation worsened. MS NOW reported that a federal advisory panel dominated by allies of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voted to stop recommending a critical vaccine for newborns. Specifically, the CDC will no longer advise hepatitis B vaccination at birth for infants whose mothers test negative for the virus, delaying the shot until at least two months of age. The vote saw eight panel members in favor and three dissenting.

Michael Osterholm, a public health expert at the University of Minnesota, told The New York Times, Today is a defining moment for our country. We can no longer trust federal health authorities when it comes to vaccines.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a former physician and chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which oversees HHS, expressed related worries. On social media the day before the vote, Cassidy wrote, The ACIP is totally discredited. They are not protecting children.

However, Cassidy has not followed up with any decisive actions. Two weeks ago, he cast the deciding vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary, despite the growing concerns over vaccine misinformation. When asked whether he had given Kennedy too much authority, Cassidy stated, The fact is the scientific community agrees that vaccines are safe. Thats all I can say.

Although Cassidy holds significant influence on Capitol Hill, he has not pursued stronger measures such as calling for Kennedys resignation, initiating hearings, or demanding accountability from HHS, CDC, or FDA officials. Instead, his response has been limited to mild criticism via social media.

Speculation arises over his motiveswhether he is cautious due to the upcoming GOP primary in Louisiana, influenced by partisan considerations, or pressured by party leadersbut his inaction leaves him partly responsible for the public health risks stemming from Kennedy and his allies policies.

The situation continues to raise serious concerns about the direction of U.S. public health policy and the oversight of vaccine recommendations.

Author: Logan Reeves