“Is the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine lethal? … So you disagree with the president on that. … Kennedy gave me guarantees, and he did not keep them. … If the president asks you to do something that goes against those guarantees you give us today, what will you do?
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BC
Senator • Louisiana
Senior United States Senator from Louisiana.
Statements (20)
“Having measles is not a kind of victimless kind of experience. It's a little bit like drunk driving. … The president should be saying, "Be vaccinated. It is safe and effective."
“It's absolutely inflationary. If Joe Biden had proposed that, conservatives would have been all against it. … [I]f the government borrows money, it's going to drive up how much somebody pays for their mortgage, for their car note, perhaps for their credit card.
“Repaying the funds does make a difference. Anytime someone gives a $250,000 gift and they have strong ties to the Kremlin, that's- that's wrong. … [W]ith that proximity to power, being the president's son, you've got to give faith to the American people that Washington is not a swamp.
“[That leaves] too much wiggle room. … I'm not sure that you reach people who are vaccine-hesitant by feeding into their own truths. The way to dispel confusion is not to sell more confusion.
“That is going to be a terrible legacy for this administration.
“We have four people in Pennsylvania reportedly dead. … Misinformation and misguided policies are leaving children and adults unprotected.
“Now that the investigation is complete, we need answers. Members and staff were not briefed on the findings. That is unacceptable and disregards Congress's constitutional oversight role.
“No one needs to die from measles in 2026. Misinformation and misguided policies are leaving children unprotected against a disease we know how to prevent.
“While I respect Dr. Overton's experience as a physician, I have strong concerns about her nomination to be FDA commissioner. Her lack of managerial experience does not prepare her well for leading a large organization that is already dealing with staffing and morale issues. Additionally, Dr. Overton's active role in last week's nonsensical vaccine executive order calls into question her commitment to standing up for sound science and protecting children's health. That alone is almost disqualifying.
“Let's just take it from the perspective of the parent why this is a — why this is just a stupid thing to do. Now, instead of your child getting two shots, she has to get six shots.
“I'm a doctor. This executive order is wrong. The President does not have the expertise to make these changes. Vaccines are overwhelmingly safe. Vaccines are effective. Vaccines DO NOT cause autism. Breaking up vaccines will mean children have to get more shots to get the same protection.
“This is not a referendum on President Trump. It is a decision regarding Mr. Blanche in very specific circumstances.
“I think that's wrong. It's a form of buying access.
“This is the worst foreign policy blunder in decades.
“While I support the administration's efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, the White House and Pentagon have left Congress in the dark on Operation Epic Fury. In Louisiana, I've heard from people, including President Trump's supporters, who are concerned about this war. Until the administration provides clarity, no congressional authorization or extension can be justified.
“People are concerned about paying their mortgage or rent, affording groceries and paying for gas, not about putting together a $1.8 billion fund for the President and his allies to pay whomever they wish with no legal precedent or accountability. This is adding to our national debt. If there needs to be a settlement, the administration should bring it to Congress to decide.
“I don't actually see any legal precedent for that. We are a nation of laws, you can't just make up things whole-piece. People are concerned about making their own ends meet, not about putting a slush fund together without a legal precedent.
“Dr. Makary was part of a broader symptom of an administration that has not paid attention to pro-life issues. I care deeply about life, and I anticipate the next FDA nominee shall as well.
“Dr. Means was asked direct questions about vaccines that she could not answer. The Surgeon General must have the full confidence of the American people on matters of public health. I look forward to meeting with Dr. Saphier.