Bill Cassidy

Stories

Congress confronts its war powers as US-Iran conflict escalates without authorization

As of September 2026: Voted yes on the June 23 passage; The Hill reported he met with Majority Leader John Thune before the Sept. 24 vote, which failed 49-50

The House passed a war powers resolution 215-208 on June 3. The Senate followed 50-48 in late June, the first time both chambers approved such a measure in this conflict. President Trump ignored it, the ceasefire collapsed in July, and the Senate rejected the latest resolution 49-50 on Sept. 24 as the war passed 200 days.

Updated Sep 25

2026 primary season closes with record congressional turnover

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Defeated in May 16 primary

Nearly one in five lawmakers who started the 119th Congress won't return next year. The 2026 primary season closed with 99 seats guaranteed to have a different member than when the Congress began in January 2025.

Updated Sep 16

Congress lets ACA subsidy cliff hit, setting up a 2026 premium shock

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Co‑author of GOP HSA plan that would replace enhanced ACA subsidies

Enhanced premium tax credits expired January 1, 2026. By late January, 1.2 to 1.4 million fewer Americans had enrolled for marketplace coverage, with total 2026 enrollment at 22.8–22.9 million.

Updated May 11

US hepatitis B birth-dose policy upended by new vaccine advisory panel

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Joined by House Democrats in pushing federal oversight of ACIP changes

In December 2025, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 8–3 to end the universal recommendation for hepatitis B vaccination within 24 hours of birth. The committee was reconstituted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. On December 16, 2025, Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill formally adopted the recommendation.

Updated May 10

ACIP moves to end universal hepatitis B shots at birth

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Leading congressional critic urging CDC to reject the ACIP change

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted 8–3 on December 5, 2025 to end the recommendation that every U.S. newborn receive a hepatitis B shot within 24 hours of birth. The committee had been recently overhauled under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill ratified the change on December 16, 2025.

Updated May 9

Notable Quotes

“As a liver doctor who has treated patients with hepatitis B for decades, this change to the vaccine schedule is a mistake,” Cassidy said, urging O’Neill not to sign the recommendations.

from US hepatitis B birth-dose policy upended by new vaccine advisory panel · Updated May 10

"As a liver doctor who has treated patients with hepatitis B for decades, this change to the vaccine schedule is a mistake."

from ACIP moves to end universal hepatitis B shots at birth · Updated May 9