Bill Cassidy

President Donald Trump signed an executive order that aims to reshape childhood vaccine guidance, calling for federal programs to support maximal parental choice over these vaccines. The order recommends splitting up the combined measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate single-disease shots and having immunizations administered at separate medical visits. This directive faced immediate criticism, with GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy stating the executive order was wrong.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order recommending revamped childhood vaccine guidelines, including separating the MMR vaccine and altering universal Hepatitis B recommendations. Public health expert Dr. Georges Benjamin heavily criticized the changes, warning they would create additional burdens for parents and move away from established medical practices. Senator Bill Cassidy also stated that the new executive order was wrong.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at reshaping guidance on childhood vaccines, calling for federal support for 'maximal parental choice' and proposing to split up combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shots into single-disease doses. The order also recommends that all immunizations be administered during separate medical visits. The legislation was met with immediate pushback, including a rebuttal from GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, who stated the President lacks expertise in the area.

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general in a narrow 50-49 vote, which allows him to pursue the Trump administration's agenda aggressively. The confirmation followed a tumultuous fight regarding his loyalty to President Donald Trump and concerns about the Justice Department’s independence. Blanche publicly promised that the department would abandon Trump's proposed compensation fund and rein in other settlement elements.

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, a major victory for Donald Trump. This decision came despite criticism concerning an $1.8bn slush fund. Senator Bill Cassidy cast the deciding vote, while Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski voted against the nomination.

Todd Blanche was confirmed as attorney general by a narrow Senate vote of 50-49, giving President Donald Trump's former personal attorney command of the Justice Department. The confirmation followed significant opposition and required Blanche to publicly promise that the department would abandon proposals for compensation funds for Trump's allies and limit protection from IRS tax audits.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was confirmed by the Senate to lead the Department of Justice as President Donald Trump’s attorney general. His confirmation faced opposition from Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins due to his connection to anti-weaponization funds and concerns over the DOJ's independence. However, Senator Bill Cassidy backed Blanche, arguing that a confirmed official was necessary for the department's effective running.

Todd Blanche was confirmed by the Senate to serve as attorney general for Donald Trump, replacing Pam Bondi. His confirmation generated significant debate, with proponents citing his ability to run the Department of Justice effectively. However, opposition from lawmakers like Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins focused on concerns regarding a weaponized DOJ, anti-weaponization funds, and Blanche’s connection to certain files.

The Senate plans to hold multiple votes before departing for recess, including passing a stopgap funding bill and a long-stalled Russia sanctions bill. Leadership aims to confirm dozens of nominees and conduct initial votes on a budget blueprint and the SAVE America Act. However, the agenda faces hurdles due to potential objections or failure to reach simple majority thresholds.

Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by the U.S. Senate in a 51-44 vote. The confirmation followed a tense hearing where lawmakers questioned her on political interference in vaccine policy, with support from Senate Health Committee chair Bill Cassidy and only one Democrat, Tim Kaine, voting in favor.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is meeting with GOP Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana to secure their support for his confirmation as the permanent leader of the Justice Department. The meeting takes place in the Capitol as part of efforts to finalize his appointment.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a 51-44 vote. The confirmation followed a tense July hearing over concerns about political interference in vaccine policy, and she received backing from Senate Health Committee chair Bill Cassidy despite initial reservations. Only one Democrat, Virginia’s Tim Kaine, supported the nomination.

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new CDC director amid a Cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce. The confirmation followed scrutiny over her independence from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly regarding vaccine policies. Schwartz succeeds Susan Monarez, who resigned after a brief tenure due to disagreements with Kennedy.

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine introduced legislation to reform the 340B federal drug pricing program, which provides prescription discounts to providers serving underserved patients. The bill includes annual reporting requirements, HHS auditing authority, and protections against rebate models to ensure smaller providers can access up-front discounts. The debate also involves Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, who proposed a different rebate-based approach.

Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, will oppose Todd Blanche's attorney general confirmation due to his involvement in an IRS settlement with President Donald Trump and a pledge to an anti-abortion organization to prohibit mailing abortion medication. Two undecided Republicans, Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski, are needed for Blanche's confirmation.

Todd Blanche is one vote away from confirmation as attorney general after securing support from Sen. John Curtis. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced his nomination, with GOP senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis backing him after he agreed to modify terms of an IRS settlement. Three undecided Republican senators remain: Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski.

Senate Republicans aim to pass a stopgap spending bill to avoid a government shutdown before the Nov. 3 elections and advance a $95 billion budget package for the Iran war, farmer aid, and other priorities. Internal divisions over the budget’s size and debt concerns threaten progress, with unfinished matters likely delayed until September.

Sen. John Fetterman highlighted President Trump's limited influence over three outgoing senators opposing his nomination of Todd Blanche for a permanent DOJ role. The senators, Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, and John Cornyn, expressed skepticism about the nomination.

A bipartisan U.S. Senate committee approved a bill to block the Department of Education from transferring specific programs to other agencies. The bill, sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine with co-sponsors Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, targets interagency agreements affecting special education and other programs. The 13-9 vote included bipartisan support but faced GOP opposition led by committee chair Bill Cassidy.

A Senate committee passed legislation to reverse efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, maintaining oversight of K-12 education, special education, and postsecondary programs within the department. The bill faced bipartisan support but drew criticism from some Republicans who argue the department’s federal role is excessive, while the Trump administration defended its restructuring plans as effective.

A bipartisan-supported bill requiring states to use the science of reading in classrooms to qualify for a federal literacy grant advanced from the Senate HELP Committee. The READ Act (S.4689) aims to strengthen federal oversight of literacy instruction and includes provisions for teacher training and funding shifts. Another bill explicitly identifying dyslexia as a learning disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act also passed.

Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advanced to the Senate floor after a 13-10 vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The confirmation hearing included questions about potential political interference in vaccine policy, with committee chair Sen. Bill Cassidy expressing initial dissatisfaction but later supporting her nomination. Schwartz, a former U.S. Navy physician and deputy surgeon general, would oversee the CDC amid controversies involving HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine-skeptical agenda.

The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with a 13-10 vote. The confirmation hearing included questions about handling political interference in vaccine policy, and Schwartz's nomination faces scrutiny amid concerns about the Department of Health and Human Services' vaccine-skeptical agenda.

A Senate committee advanced Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the CDC, despite concerns about political interference. She has a background in medicine, law, and public health leadership, but faced questions about resisting directives from Trump's health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Opposition came from Sen. Bernie Sanders, who criticized the risk of anti-science influence in the administration.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces a challenging political landscape as the Republican conference shifts toward Trump-aligned members, potentially diminishing his influence. Key moderate senators may leave, while hardline conservatives gain committee leadership roles, complicating legislative efforts and party unity.

Senator Bill Cassidy suggested that President Trump ending the Iran war soon is 'unlikely' and recommended seeking congressional involvement for a path to peace. He emphasized the need for a 'fuller national discussion' on moving forward.

A fourth grader struggles with reading despite his intelligence and creativity, reflecting a broader literacy crisis in the U.S. where many students fall behind. The Read Act, proposed by Senators Bill Cassidy and Maggie Hassan, aims to address this issue through early intervention and support for struggling readers.

Sen. Bill Cassidy supports President Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported generic drugs, arguing the price increase could be justified to reduce reliance on China for drug production and protect the U.S. drug supply. Trump’s plan involves a two-year deadline for domestic production, followed by tariffs rising to 200%. Cassidy also mentioned concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s HHS leadership and vaccine policy promises.

The Senate health committee postponed a vote on Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the CDC due to a family emergency affecting Republican attendance. Schwartz faces scrutiny over resisting political pressure, and the CDC has experienced leadership turmoil since President Donald Trump returned to office. The committee also delayed a vote on Sean Kaufman's nomination for another health leadership role.

The Senate health committee postponed a vote on Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the CDC due to a family emergency affecting Republican attendance. The vote is expected next week, with Schwartz facing scrutiny over resisting political pressure. The CDC has experienced leadership turmoil since President Donald Trump returned to office.

The Senate Health Committee delayed voting on Sean Kaufman's nomination to lead the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response after a contentious confirmation hearing focused on his past statements about vaccines. Kaufman, who authored LinkedIn posts expressing skepticism about certain vaccines and criticized the CDC, backtracked on some comments during the hearing but faced concerns from committee members.

The Senate Health Committee, led by Republicans, advanced legislation to cap insulin costs at $35/month despite GOP objections. Maine Republican Susan Collins sponsored the bill, which aims to lower costs for diabetes patients. The bill passed 17-5, with bipartisan support but opposition from Chair Bill Cassidy.

The Trump administration faces a war funding crisis as congressional Republicans disagree on military spending for the escalating conflict with Iran. House Republicans proposed over $70 billion in new defense funding, but the Senate opposes it, while Pentagon officials suggest the war's cost may exceed $100 billion.

Sen. Bill Cassidy criticized President Trump's nominee for the assistant secretary for preparedness and response over a deleted social media post. The nominee was accused of repeating lies that destroy trust, according to Cassidy's remarks.

Erica Schwartz's nomination as CDC director faces opposition after a contentious Senate hearing where she failed to gain bipartisan support, with Senator Bill Cassidy criticizing her responses and potential political interference. Schwartz emphasized restoring trust in public health institutions through scientific integrity.

Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the CDC, faced skepticism during a Senate confirmation hearing where lawmakers questioned her commitment to science-based decision-making and transparency. Chairman Bill Cassidy criticized her preparedness and evasiveness, while Schwartz pledged to restore trust in public health institutions and modernize the CDC.

Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the CDC faced skepticism during a Senate confirmation hearing, with lawmakers questioning her commitment to science-based decision-making. She emphasized restoring public trust in the agency through transparency and scientific integrity but did not secure bipartisan support.

Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump’s nominee for CDC director, faced skepticism during a Senate confirmation hearing where she failed to secure bipartisan support. Lawmakers questioned her commitment to scientific integrity and transparency, with Chairman Bill Cassidy criticizing her evasive answers and expressing concerns about political influence.

Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump's nominee for CDC director, faced skepticism during a Senate confirmation hearing. Lawmakers questioned her commitment to science-based decision-making, and Chairman Bill Cassidy criticized her responses. Schwartz emphasized rebuilding CDC's trust through transparency and scientific integrity but did not secure bipartisan support.

Erica Schwartz, President Donald Trump's nominee for CDC director, faced skepticism during a Senate confirmation hearing, with lawmakers questioning her commitment to nonpartisan science and transparency. She emphasized rebuilding public trust in the CDC through scientific integrity but did not secure clear support from Democrats or key Republicans.