Sen. Bill Cassidy-LA (R)
Senator Bill Cassidy will serve as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee during the 119th Congress. Cassidy addressed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose controversial views on public health topics like vaccinations and fluoride in drinking water have sparked significant debate.
“So we will have a courtesy hearing in HELP, but the Senate Finance Committee is the committee with jurisdiction and that is where his committee confirmation vote will take place.”
Cassidy acknowledged these controversies, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based decision-making on public health matters. He stressed that his role as HELP Committee chairman will prioritize advancing policies rooted in scientific consensus and improving health outcomes nationwide.
“When I speak to the dentist, they say the evidence is fairly strong that fluoride in drinking water can reduce cavities up to 20-percent or more. Obviously, you want to be concerned about safety, but again the dentist assured me that the levels given in drinking water that it is safe.”
As chairman, Cassidy is expected to play a critical role in shaping healthcare reforms, addressing workforce challenges, and overseeing educational initiatives. His leadership could influence debates on contentious issues such as vaccine mandates.
“We don’t want to go back to when a child with measles has a infection involving her brain that leaves her institutionalized for the rest of her life. So these are just the general benefit of vaccines without making comment on anything else.”
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