A fiery exchange erupted Tuesday during a House hearing as Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) sharply questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over what she called a broken promise regarding a key federal vaccine advisory panel.
Schrier, a pediatrician and vocal supporter of vaccines, confronted Kennedy about his reported commitment to Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) during his confirmation process. Cassidy had expressed concern about Kennedy’s controversial vaccine views but ultimately supported his nomination after receiving what he believed were assurances.
Quoting Cassidy’s statement on the Senate floor from February 4th, Schrier said:
“If confirmed, you will maintain the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices without changes.”
She then pointed out that just weeks ago, Kennedy dismissed all 17 experts on the advisory committee.
“Mr. Secretary, did you lie to Senator Cassidy when you told him you wouldn’t change this panel?” Schrier asked directly.
Kennedy responded, “I never made that agreement.”
Schrier quickly pressed further:
“So are you saying Senator Cassidy lied on the Senate floor—lied to the American people?”
Kennedy replied, “I didn’t see that statement by Senator Cassidy. I’ve only heard it from you. But if he said I agreed to that, it would be inaccurate. He and I have had many conversations, and I stand by the agreement we made.”
Unconvinced, Schrier shot back:
“Let me be clear: most of us here trust Senator Cassidy more than we trust you on anything related to vaccines. It seems like you told him what he needed to hear to get confirmed, and then once you were in power, you fired the entire committee.”
Kennedy began to respond, “I’m complying with all the agreements I’ve made—”
But Schrier cut him off with a sharp rebuke:
“Mr. Secretary, you’re now on record. You lied to Senator Cassidy. You’ve lied to the American people. You’ve lied to parents about vaccines for 20 years. And I will hold you personally responsible for every preventable death due to vaccine misinformation.”
She then ended her remarks with, “I yield back.”
The intense exchange underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding Kennedy’s leadership at HHS, particularly given his long-standing and widely criticized opposition to vaccine mandates.
