Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gets first hearing set before Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy committee
Republican Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy has scheduled the first public hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's controversial nominee for secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy's hearing before the Senate Health Committee that Cassidy chairs is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 30.
Kennedy is among Trump's more controversial nominees as a vaccine skeptic who has advanced misinformation on immunization in the past and as someone who has expressed conflicting views on abortion.
Cassidy, a doctor, is an advocate for approved vaccines as an important part of overall health. The senator recently said he disagreed with his home state's Department of Health leadership's decision to suspend information campaigns encouraging Louisianans to get recommended vaccines.
Cassidy said he has already met with Kennedy and researched his record, but wouldn't signal whether he will vote to advance RFK Jr.'s nomination when asked by USA Today Network Tuesday.
"I've not announced how I will vote on anybody until they have gone through a hearing process," he said.
Cassidy's vote is considered critical to Kennedy's confirmation.
The Louisiana senator was also considered a swing vote for defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, who Cassidy said last week he will vote to confirm.
Kennedy must also appear before the Senate Finance Committee, which is the panel that will determine whether to favorably advance his nomination to the full Senate. Cassidy also serves on that committee.
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the Paste BN Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.