Key facts
- Senator Bill Cassidy blamed the Trump administration's vaccine policies for recent measles deaths in Pennsylvania.
- Cassidy stated that four people in Pennsylvania reportedly died due to misinformation and misguided policies related to vaccines.
- The hearing was for nominees Chris Klomp (deputy secretary of Health and Human Services), Dr. Nicole Saphier (surgeon general), and Dr. Timothy Westlake (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
- Cassidy criticized an executive order that he said would break up the childhood vaccine schedule, making children less safe.
- The U.S. has experienced its worst measles outbreak in over 35 years.
- Dr. Nicole Saphier is a radiologist and former Fox News contributor.
Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican chairman of the U.S. Senate health committee, on Wednesday blamed the Trump administration's approach to vaccines for recent measles deaths in Pennsylvania. Cassidy delivered this critique during a confirmation hearing for three of President Donald Trump's top health nominees, as the nation grapples with its worst measles outbreak in over 35 years.
Cassidy stated that four people in Pennsylvania had reportedly died due to misinformation and misguided policies, setting a combative tone for the hearing. The nominees under consideration are Chris Klomp for deputy secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general, and Dr. Timothy Westlake to lead the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Cassidy emphasized the need for health leaders who base decisions on science rather than politics or ideology.
He directed particular criticism towards Saphier's nomination for surgeon general, stressing the importance of restoring public confidence in health guidance. Cassidy also criticized an executive order that he claimed would disrupt the childhood vaccine schedule, potentially making children less safe. He reiterated that vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and effective and do not cause autism.
Cassidy, who recently lost his Republican primary after Trump targeted him for retribution over his impeachment vote, has become more openly defiant. He noted that the CDC is working on a definition of death by measles, a task not needed for decades, calling it a "terrible legacy for this administration."
Cassidy also praised Klomp's experience and credited Westlake with helping pass his Halt Fentanyl Act. Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, is Trump's third nominee for surgeon general, following previous stalled or withdrawn nominations. The hearing aims to address numerous health vacancies within the administration.