Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, chairman of the US Senate Health Committee, criticized the Trump administration's approach to vaccines amid a rise in measles cases and deaths in the United States, arguing that public health decisions should be based on science rather than political ideology.
Cassidy, a physician representing Louisiana, made the comments during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on September 16.
He said the government should appoint public health officials who make decisions based on scientific evidence rather than politics or ideology.
Measles outbreak remains a major concern
The United States is experiencing its most severe measles outbreak since 1991. Three measles-related deaths have been reported in Pennsylvania, while state officials have also identified a fourth death as potentially measles-associated. The Pennsylvania authorities and the CDC have differed over how the deaths should be classified.
Cassidy highlighted the fact that measles is a vaccine-preventable disease and stressed the importance of vaccination as a public health measure.
Cassidy questions surgeon general nominee
During the hearing, Cassidy repeatedly questioned Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Donald Trump's nominee for surgeon general, about whether she believes the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine causes autism.
Saphier initially said she had not seen reputable evidence that vaccines cause autism. Cassidy pressed her for a more direct response.
Saphier subsequently said she does not believe childhood vaccines cause autism and described the MMR vaccine as one of the most important tools for combating measles.
There is no reliable scientific evidence establishing a causal link between the MMR vaccine and autism. The vaccine-autism claim has been investigated extensively and has not been supported by high-quality evidence.
Senate considers three health nominations
The Senate committee is also reviewing Chris Klomp's nomination for deputy secretary of Health and Human Services and Dr. Timothy Westlake's nomination to lead the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
All three nominees require Senate confirmation before taking office.
The United States has not had a permanent surgeon general since January 2025. Saphier is a radiologist and former Fox News medical contributor.
Cassidy increasingly critical of vaccine policy
Cassidy has become increasingly vocal in criticizing the Trump administration's approach to vaccines and public health. Reuters reported that he has raised concerns about changes to childhood vaccination policy and their potential public health consequences.
The debate comes as leading US medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, issued their own vaccination guidance in September. The groups said current high-quality scientific evidence shows that recommended influenza, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations continue to provide meaningful protection against severe disease, hospitalization and death.
