If approved, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.
Over many years, Kennedy has been clear about his beliefs on vaccines in dozens of interviews, podcasts and social media posts.
He's headed up a nonprofit that has sued the government over its authorizations of vaccines. He's said there is “ no vaccine that is safe and effective" and repeatedly called for further study of routine childhood vaccinations.
But more recently, Kennedy has tried to downplay his past remarks and work, saying he's not anti-vaccine and promising not to “take away” the shots.
The health committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., also has expressed concerns about Kennedy's anti-vaccine work. A physician, Cassidy said earlier this month he “had a frank conversation” and “spoke about vaccines at length” with Kennedy. On Tuesday, Cassidy told reporters that he is still unsure if he is backing Trump’s nominee.
“I’m still working through it,” Cassidy said during a press availability with Louisiana reporters on Tuesday. “I look forward to the hearings and I will allow that to guide my decision.”
