Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy slams CDC over autism and vaccine website
Sen. Bill Cassidy criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over websites related to autism and vaccines.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), who has repeatedly criticized President Donald Trump’s administration on health issues, criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over websites related to autism and vaccines.
In a July 26 interview with CNN’s “State of the Union,” the gastroenterologist criticized health officials who have said online that it is “not an evidence-based claim” that vaccines don’t cause autism.
“That’s why some parents are hesitant to vaccinate their children,” Cassidy told host Dana Bash, who asked if the site was “a good faith attempt to stop the spread of so-called ‘vaccine misinformation.'”
Health hawks told Bash that such claims would deter parents from “doing the right thing, which is getting their kids vaccinated.” Cassidy went on to tell Bash, “It’s well established that vaccines do not cause autism.”
Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has been a vocal advocate for vaccines. Last year, when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was being considered as secretary of health, Cassidy urged him to “come out clearly” and insist that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism.
Mr. Cassidy ultimately voted to support Mr. Kennedy, but he is targeting the term of his political successor to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Cassidy told Bash on “State of the Union” that science has proven for decades that vaccines do not cause autism. “The fact that it’s still there is almost an insult to the American people,” Cassidy said. “We don’t care enough for you to tell the truth. We want to keep promoting things that have been proven to be false, but no matter who we are, we don’t want to admit it.”
Many public health groups and doctors across the country have also condemned language on the CDC website regarding vaccines and autism spectrum disorders, despite decades of evidence showing that approved vaccinations are safe.
President Trump’s handpicked candidate defeats Cassidy
Mr. Cassidy’s backlash came after he lost re-election in May after failing to advance to the Louisiana primary runoff, which was ultimately won by Mr. Trump’s handpicked candidate, Rep. Julia Letlow.
Health issues aren’t the only time Republican senators have clashed with the Trump administration. He also took aim at Trump’s handling of the Iran war, with several Republican lawmakers saying he and Trump got into a heated argument over the conflict during a private meeting last month.
Still, Cassidy vowed to support President Trump’s latest nominee for surgeon general, Erica Schwartz, as she seeks confirmation as the nation’s top doctor. Mr. Schwartz previously served as the Deputy Surgeon General.
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Mr. Trump withdrew his previous nominations, including Janet Nesheiwat, a former Fox News medical contributor, and Casey Means, a popular influencer and doctor who no longer practices medicine. Cassidy praised Schwartz during an appearance on CNN’s “SOTU” and told Bash that he hopes Schwartz will make positive changes.
Contributor: Sara Moniuszko
