By Dianne Marie Normand Hartley Editor, Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge & Healthcare Journal of New Orleans
On February 4, 2025, Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) cast a pivotal vote to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Cassidy, a physician who has spent his career advocating for vaccines, made his decision after what he described as “intense conversations” with Kennedy and the Trump administration. His Senate floor speech detailed assurances he received on vaccines, hiring influence at HHS, and a shared commitment to a “Pro-American” healthcare agenda.
Still, his vote raises the fundamental question: Did Cassidy vote with his conscience to improve public health, or was this a strategic move to secure his political future?
Cassidy’s Justifications: Vaccine Assurances, Hiring Influence & a “Pro-American” Agenda
Cassidy’s speech outlined his reasoning, including:
Vaccine Commitments: He claims Kennedy and the administration assured him that federal vaccine safety programs would not be altered, and that the CDC would maintain its current vaccine information without revision.
HHS Hiring Influence: Kennedy has committed to allowing Cassidy input on hiring decisions at HHS beyond Senate-confirmed positions.
A “Pro-American” Health Agenda: Cassidy and Kennedy reportedly align on issues such as reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods, reforming the NIH, and tackling chronic disease.
Restoring Trust in Health Institutions: Cassidy believes Kennedy, despite his history of challenging mainstream medicine, can restore faith in public health agencies.
Cassidy Stands by Vaccine Science: Cassidy reaffirmed that vaccines do not cause autism, stating, "The science is good, the science is credible. Vaccines save lives. They are safe. They do not cause autism. There are multiple studies that show this."
Cassidy Acknowledges Pressure from Both Sides
In his Senate floor speech, Cassidy described the pressure he faced in making this decision, acknowledging the intense outreach from both supporters and critics:
“Now Mr. President (referring to the presiding officer of the Senate), believe it or not, of these hundreds of people calling me or contacting me, however they did, many of them disagreed with each other. Diametrically, three-dimensionally, they disagreed. But the unifying factor is that they all desire the best for our country, even though they differ from each other so much.”
Not all of Cassidy’s fellow physicians agreed with his reasoning. One very discouraged Louisiana physician shared the following reaction with The Healthcare Journal:
"What a sad and embarrassing day for Bill Cassidy. His legacy will now be that of a once-honorable doctor who ultimately lacked the courage to see his convictions through. As he knows, this decision will make our jobs keeping families safe from preventable illnesses considerably harder. As a colleague, I am disappointed."
Cassidy represents Louisiana, a state with some of the worst health outcomes in the country. His leadership on healthcare policy has real implications for the state’s most vulnerable populations. Let’s hope he knows what he is doing.
Dr. John Fleming: “No One Has Asked Me to Drop Out”
Cassidy’s decision immediately sparked political speculation—especially given that he faces a primary challenge in the 2026 Louisiana Senate race from State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming.
When asked, Fleming stated unequivocally:
“I have not heard a word from anyone asking me to drop out of the race.”
While no direct link has been established between Cassidy’s vote and his political future, his sudden alliance with Kennedy and the administration’s involvement raises lingering questions.
Questions We Should Ponder
Cassidy’s speech answered some concerns—but others remain.
As Kennedy’s nomination moves to a full Senate vote, we find ourselves asking:
Vaccine Commitments
Were these commitments made in writing?
Did Kennedy personally assure Cassidy that he would not advocate for alternative vaccine review processes?
If Kennedy has spent years questioning vaccine safety, why does Cassidy trust that he won’t undermine vaccine policy?
Cassidy’s Role in HHS Hiring Decisions
How exactly will Cassidy have input in hiring decisions at HHS beyond Senate-confirmed positions?
How many positions will he influence?
What does this mean for HHS’s independence in public health decision-making?
Cassidy’s “Unprecedentedly Close” Relationship with Kennedy
What will this collaboration look like in practice?
What specific policies does Cassidy intend to work on with Kennedy?
Defining a “Pro-American” Healthcare Agenda
Cassidy referenced this term in his speech—what does it mean in the context of HHS?
How does he see Kennedy executing this agenda at HHS?
Read Senator Cassidy’s Full Speech
For full transparency, you can read Senator Bill Cassidy’s complete speech explaining his vote for RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary here: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-in-support-of-rfk-jr-to-be-hhs-secretary/
Full Transcript: Senator Cassidy’s Floor Speech on His Vote for RFK Jr.
Introduction to the Transcript
Senator Cassidy delivered this speech on the Senate floor following his vote to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for HHS Secretary. In it, he explains his reasoning, acknowledges the pressure from both sides, and outlines commitments made by Kennedy and the administration.
Mr. President, I’d like to make a statement regarding my vote in Committee on behalf of Robert F. Kennedy to be the Secretary of HHS. First, I thank everyone who has contacted me over the last few days. Almost all have been respectful and seek the best for our country. And I’ve been contacted by text, by phone, by email. And if I did not respond to anyone, it was not to be rude. It’s just I was getting hundreds of messages a day personally and thousands through the office. And I just physically could not.
Now Mr. President, believe it or not, of these hundreds of people calling me or contacting me, however they did, many of them disagreed with each other. Diametrically, three dimensionally, they disagreed. But the unifying factor is that they all desire the best for our country, even though they differ from each other so much. And maybe that kind of frames my feelings about this nomination.
For context, before entering politics, before ever thinking running for political office, I practiced medicine for 30 years in a public hospital for the uninsured. Caring for those who otherwise would not have been able to afford the access to the care that I provided. After seeing patients die from vaccine preventable diseases, I dedicated much of my time to vaccine research and immunization programs. Personally witnessing the safety monitoring, and the effectiveness of immunization. But simply, vaccines save lives.
This is the context that informed me when considering Robert F. Kennedy Jr as the nominee to be Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
It was a decision I studied exhaustively. I took very seriously. As I said I would, I spoke with Mr. Kennedy not once, but multiple times over the weekend, including this morning. We had in-depth conversations about the medical literature and the science behind the safety of vaccines. He referred me to studies and people. I reviewed them and spoke to those whom he mentioned I should speak to.
Now, the most notable opponents of Mr. Kennedy were pediatricians on the front lines of our children’s health who regularly have to combat misinformation; combating vaccine skepticism with correct information—correct information that comes from their education, training and experience as physicians. They are aware of the falling vaccine rates and the inevitability of increasing hospitalizations and deaths of children from vaccine-preventable diseases. They are aware that children are now contracting diseases that they would not have contracted if the children were vaccinated.
I heard from others impassioned about the need to address chemicals in our food, and a belief that we are victims of large, impersonal forces maximizing profits while sacrificing our health. There is evidence for that. Although food safety is principally a USDA concern, I strongly agree that this is an issue society must address.
Other RFK supporters are concerned regarding environmental risk. They fear these risks are being ignored by authorities. Mr. Kennedy’s history of environmental activism motivates their support. I pointed out that the Environmental Protection Agency monitors this, not the Department of Health and Human Services but they still feel that he can make a difference.
So, as I looked how to resolve this, I returned to where I began. Would it be possible to have Mr. Kennedy collaborate in helping public health agencies re-earn the trust of the American people?
Regarding vaccines, Mr. Kennedy has been insistent that he just wants good science and to ensure safety. But on this topic, the science is good, the science is credible. Vaccines save lives. They are safe. They do not cause autism. There are multiple studies that show this. They are a crucial part of our nation’s public health response.
But as someone who has discussed immunizations with thousands of people, I do recognize that many mothers need reassurance that the vaccine their child is receiving is necessary, effective, and most of all safe.
While I am aligned with Mr. Kennedy as regards to ultra-processed foods, reforming NIH, taking on chronic disease—once more, it still leaves vaccines.
Now, Mr. Kennedy and the administration reached out seeking to reassure me regarding their commitment to protecting the public health benefit of vaccination.
To this end, Mr. Kennedy and the administration committed that he and I will have an unprecedently close collaborative working relationship if he is confirmed. We will meet or speak multiple times a month. This collaboration will allow us to work well together and therefore to be more effective.
Mr. Kennedy has asked for my input into hiring decisions at HHS, beyond Senate-confirmed positions. This aspect of our collaboration will allow us to represent all sides of those folks that were contacting me this weekend.
He has also committed that he would work within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems, and not establish parallel systems. If confirmed, he will maintain the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices without changes. CDC will not remove statements on their website pointing out that vaccines do not cause autism. Mr. Kennedy and the administration also committed that this administration will not use the subversive techniques employed under the Biden administration, like sue and settle, to change policies enacted by Congress without first going through Congress.
Mr. Kennedy and the administration committed to a strong role of Congress. Aside from us meeting regularly, he will come before the Committee on a quarterly basis, if requested. He committed that the HELP Committee Chair, whether it’s me or someone else, may choose a representative on any board or commission formed to review vaccine safety.
If he is confirmed, HHS will provide a 30-day notice to the HELP Committee if the agency seeks to make changes to any of our federal vaccine safety monitoring programs, and HELP Committee will have the option to call a hearing to further review.
These commitments, and my expectation that we can have a great relationship to make America healthy again, is the basis of my support. He will be Secretary, but I believe he will also be a partner in working for this end.
If Mr. Kennedy is confirmed, I will use my authority as Chairman of the Senate Committee with oversight of HHS to rebuff any attempts to remove the public’s access to life-saving vaccines without ironclad, causational scientific evidence that can be defended before the mainstream scientific community and before Congress. I will carefully watch for any effort to wrongfully sow public fear about vaccines between confusing references of coincidence and anecdote.
But my support is built on assurances that this will not have to be a concern and that he and I can work together to build an agenda to make America healthy again.
We need a leader at HHS who will guide President Trump’s agenda to Make America Healthy Again. Based on Mr. Kennedy’s assurances on vaccines and his platform to positively influence Americans’ health, it is my consideration that he will get this done.
As I’ve said, it’s been a long, intense process. But I’ve assessed it as I would assess a patient as a physician. Ultimately, restoring trust in our public health institutions is too important and I think Mr. Kennedy can get that done. And as Chairman of the Senate committee with oversight authority of HHS, I will do my best to make sure that is what we accomplish.
I want Mr. Kennedy to succeed in making America healthy again. His success will be tied to the health of our nation. He has the opportunity to address the most pertinent issues affecting Americans’ health. We also need to reform our health institutions like FDA and NIH. Those, as already been indicated, are my priorities as Chairman of HELP Committee. I look forward to his support in accomplishing this.
If confirmed, I look forward to working together with Mr. Kennedy to achieve President Trump’s mission of improving the health of all Americans.
Why This Vote Matters for Louisiana’s Healthcare Future
Senator Cassidy’s vote will have lasting implications for Louisiana, a state that consistently ranks among the lowest in national health outcomes. The future leadership of HHS will shape healthcare policy, public health initiatives, and vaccine strategy—issues that directly impact hospitals, physicians, and patients across the state. As Louisiana continues to face significant healthcare challenges, Cassidy’s influence on Kennedy’s tenure at HHS will be critical in determining whether this vote ultimately improves public health or introduces new uncertainties.
Stay Updated
The Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge and The Healthcare Journal of New Orleans will continue following this developing story.