'Almost an insult': Republican senator slams CDC over autism, vaccines website - USA Today

What the report says

USA Today reported that Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., sharply criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over language on a CDC webpage discussing autism and vaccines. Speaking July 26 on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Cassidy objected to the site’s wording that it is “not an evidence-based claim” to say vaccines do not cause autism, arguing that such phrasing could feed parental doubts about childhood immunization.

Cassidy, a gastroenterologist and chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said in the interview that evidence developed over many years shows vaccines do not cause autism. USA Today noted that Cassidy has long been a vocal supporter of vaccination and previously pressed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., before his confirmation as health secretary, to state clearly that vaccines are safe and are not linked to autism.

The report placed the comments in the context of Cassidy’s broader disputes with President Donald Trump’s administration, especially on health policy. Although Cassidy voted to confirm Kennedy, he has criticized Kennedy’s leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services. USA Today also reported that public health organizations and physicians have objected to the CDC language, citing longstanding evidence supporting the safety of approved vaccines.

The article added political context: Cassidy lost his reelection bid in May after failing to reach a Louisiana primary runoff, which was later won by Rep. Julia Letlow, Trump’s endorsed candidate. Despite his clashes with the administration on health and foreign policy, Cassidy said he supports Trump’s latest nominee for surgeon general, Erica Schwartz, and hopes she can help bring improvements.