U.S. Senate Republicans are eyeing an overhaul of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pictured here. (Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
U.S. Senate Republicans are eyeing an overhaul of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pictured here. (Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
WASHINGTON — Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy launched a working group on Wednesday that will look at ways to overhaul the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cassidy, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, Committee, wrote in the announcement that the group of seven Republicans would draft legislation at some point to restructure the agency.
“The public depends on CDC to deliver clear, unbiased health guidance, especially in times of crisis. If CDC fails, Americans’ health is threatened,” Cassidy wrote. “While I’m encouraged the Trump administration is committed to improving health transparency, we need lasting legislative reforms to ensure CDC is able to meet Americans’ public health needs. I look forward to working with my Republican colleagues to accomplish this mission.”
The group will include Cassidy, Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, Utah Sen. Mike Lee, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.
The CDC, based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the federal government’s main public health agency, tracking disease outbreaks throughout the country and sharing information with the public.
The agency, which received $9.2 billion in funding from Congress in its last full-year spending bill, came under scrutiny from Republicans throughout the COVID-19 pandemic for recommendations about masking, social distancing and vaccinations.
The group’s launch came one day before the HELP Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on David Weldon’s nomination as director of the CDC. The hearing is anticipated to include questions about reports the agency is expected to conduct a study revisiting whether there might be links between autism and vaccines.
Numerous scientific studies have shown that vaccines do not cause autism. Cassidy, as well as members of the HELP Committee from both political parties, have pressed some of President Donald Trump’s nominees to recognize that fact during confirmation hearings.
Scott wrote in a statement that reforms at the CDC are necessary “so that the American people can trust this agency once again.
“I am glad to join Dr. Cassidy’s efforts to ensure the CDC stays true to its mission and focus of protecting the health and safety of the American people.”
Cassidy’s office did not immediately respond to a question about whether Democrats were invited to join the working group.
The Senate requires at least 60 lawmakers vote to limit debate on legislation and move on to final passage. Since Republicans hold 53 seats at the moment, any legislation seeking to overhaul the CDC, or even make small tweaks to the agency, would need Democratic support.
Last updated 2:39 p.m., Mar. 12, 2025
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