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Cassidy Confirms Agreement With Kennedy Did Not Include Maintaining CDC Vaccine Advisors

 
• By Sarah Karlin-Smith

Sen. Bill Cassidy and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. agree the disbanding of ACIP did not violate their agreement, but the perception that Kennedy is not following the spirit of the pledge could be more important long-term.

HHS Secretary Kennedy testifies in Congress.
Democrats probed Kennedy's vaccine policies during a June 24 House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on the FY 2026 budget request. (House Energy and Commerce Committee Youtube channel)
Key Takeaways
  • Sen. Bill Cassidy and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. agreed that Kennedy never promised Cassidy not to change the ACIP membership, but the two seem to differ on the terms of the agreement struck to secure Cassidy's vote for Kennedy's confirmation.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not violate his commitments to Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, when...

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