Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for HHS secretary, testifies during his Senate HELP Committee confirmation hearing on Thursday in Washington.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Sarah Owermohle reported on the administration’s health care initiatives, federal health policy, and its intersection with politics and the courts. She joined STAT in 2022 after covering health policy at Politico. She was also the co-author of the free, twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter.
John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter.
Isabella Cueto covers the leading causes of death and disability: chronic diseases. Her focus includes autoimmune conditions and diseases of the lungs, kidneys, liver (and more). She writes about intriguing research, the promises and pitfalls of treatment, and what can be done about the burden of disease. You can reach Isabella on Signal at isabellacueto.03.
Rachel Cohrs Zhang reported on the intersection of health policy and business in Washington. She covered Capitol Hill, lobbying, and federal agencies. Her primary areas of focus were the pharmaceutical and hospital industries. She was also the co-author of the free, twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter.
Sarah Todd returned to reporting in January 2025 after being assignment editor at STAT since October 2022. You can reach Sarah on Signal at sarahlizchar.47.
Lizzy Lawrence leads STAT’s coverage of the Food and Drug Administration. She was previously a medical devices reporter. You can reach Lizzy on Signal at lizzylaw.53.
WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appears before his second congressional committee Thursday, the next step for President Trump’s pick to lead the Health and Human Services Department before confirmation votes. Lawmakers on the Senate HELP Committee are questioning RFK Jr. on his vaccine views, plans to tackle chronic illnesses, and more. Follow STAT’s live updates below for key moments and analysis.
Live coverage will be posted below in reverse chronological order.
1:11 P.M.
Cassidy questions whether RFK Jr. could jeopardize President Trump’s legacy
RACHEL COHRS ZHANG
Cassidy finished the hearing with a monologue questioning whether RFK Jr. could harm President Trump’s legacy, and said he has not decided whether to support his confirmation.
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Cassidy said he wants Trump to succeed as a Republican, but he worries that if someone doesn’t get vaccinated “because of [RFK Jr.’s] policies or attitudes” and later dies of a vaccine-preventable disease, that it could get “blown up in the press.”
Sarah Owermohle reported on the administration’s health care initiatives, federal health policy, and its intersection with politics and the courts. She joined STAT in 2022 after covering health policy at Politico. She was also the co-author of the free, twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter.
John Wilkerson is a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care. He is also the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter.
Isabella Cueto covers the leading causes of death and disability: chronic diseases. Her focus includes autoimmune conditions and diseases of the lungs, kidneys, liver (and more). She writes about intriguing research, the promises and pitfalls of treatment, and what can be done about the burden of disease. You can reach Isabella on Signal at isabellacueto.03.
Rachel Cohrs Zhang reported on the intersection of health policy and business in Washington. She covered Capitol Hill, lobbying, and federal agencies. Her primary areas of focus were the pharmaceutical and hospital industries. She was also the co-author of the free, twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter.
Sarah Todd returned to reporting in January 2025 after being assignment editor at STAT since October 2022. You can reach Sarah on Signal at sarahlizchar.47.
Lizzy Lawrence leads STAT’s coverage of the Food and Drug Administration. She was previously a medical devices reporter. You can reach Lizzy on Signal at lizzylaw.53.
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