Republicans angered with GOP senator who says he’s ‘struggling’ to confirm RFK Jr
Senator Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate health committee, found himself at odds with fellow Republicans after expressing uncertainty about confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary. During Kennedy’s second confirmation hearing, Cassidy voiced concerns about Kennedy’s stance on vaccines, stating that he was “struggling” to support the nominee due to his refusal to acknowledge the safety of vaccines and their lack of association with autism.
The tension escalated when GOP Rep. Clay Higgins criticized Cassidy for his remarks, asserting that Kennedy would assume the role of HHS secretary regardless of Cassidy’s vote. Higgins warned Cassidy that Kennedy’s appointment was inevitable and that the Senate’s Republican majority, under the leadership of President Trump, would ensure his confirmation.
In response to Cassidy’s wavering support for Kennedy, GOP organizer Scott Presler threatened to mobilize a primary challenge against Cassidy in Louisiana. Pressler’s warning prompted the Louisiana Republican Assembly to prepare for potential action if necessary. Meanwhile, conservative activist Charlie Kirk offered a nuanced critique of Cassidy’s position, acknowledging the senator’s concerns but highlighting Kennedy’s advocacy for vaccine safety and transparency.
Despite facing backlash from within his party, Cassidy received praise from Tim Chapman, the president of Advancing American Freedom (AAF), a conservative nonprofit founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. Chapman commended Cassidy for taking his role in confirming nominees seriously and emphasized the importance of thorough consideration for candidates overseeing significant taxpayer funds and federal policy decisions.
As the controversy surrounding Kennedy’s nomination continues to unfold, Cassidy’s deliberations underscore the complexities of confirming key government officials and the diverse perspectives within the Republican Party. The outcome of Kennedy’s confirmation remains uncertain, with Cassidy’s vote playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of HHS leadership.
