U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, addressed the nomination of James O’Neill for Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services during a hearing in Washington on May 8, 2025.
Senator Cassidy began by acknowledging the challenges facing the nation’s health sector, including rising healthcare costs and a crisis in mental health and substance use disorders. He also noted public distrust in healthcare institutions and highlighted a recent measles outbreak that resulted in three deaths within four months.
"The nation faces enormous health threats," Cassidy stated. He emphasized that from 2000 to 2024, there were only three measles-related deaths in total across the United States, underscoring the severity of the current situation.
Cassidy spoke about President Trump's vision to make healthcare more affordable under Secretary Kennedy's leadership. "President Trump... has laid out a bold vision to make health care more affordable and to Make America Healthy Again," he said. The Senator stressed the importance of having officials with expertise to implement this agenda while ensuring transparency and science-driven decision-making.
He further remarked on Mr. O’Neill’s potential role if confirmed: "If confirmed as Deputy HHS Secretary, Mr. O’Neill will be responsible for implementing the President’s agenda at HHS under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership."
Cassidy concluded his remarks by expressing anticipation for Mr. O'Neill's plans: "I look forward to hearing your plans and vision to accomplish this."
The hearing continued with Senator Sanders providing his opening statement.
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