HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to testify before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday morning, drawing particular attention from Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican. Cassidy is walking a fine line in his interactions with Kennedy, a former Trump ally who recently took a controversial stance by removing vaccine experts and the head of the CDC. This delicate balance is crucial for Cassidy’s political survival, as his re-election prospects depend heavily on maintaining Trump’s favor.
Cassidy’s decision to vote for Trump’s impeachment in 2021 has set him apart from much of the Republican base, which has largely distanced itself from him since. However, as the 2026 elections draw closer, Cassidy has remained steadfast in his support for the current administration, emphasizing his backing for Trump’s nominees. This unwavering support has led Senate Republicans to privately advocate for Trump’s endorsement of Cassidy, citing his reliable legislative contributions and team-oriented approach.
Despite the political stakes, the likelihood of Trump publicly endorsing someone who voted to impeach him remains low. However, some Republicans have hinted that Trump might choose to remain silent instead, which would still be seen as a neutral stance. Cassidy has acknowledged the preference for Trump’s endorsement but has expressed that staying neutral is the next best option if an endorsement is not forthcoming.
In addition to the focus on Kennedy, the hearing will also see other Republicans who are no longer reliant on future Trump endorsements, such as Sen. Thom Tillis. Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, has taken a more confrontational approach given his recent decision to oppose Trump’s megabill and his retirement announcement. He questioned the rationale behind the abrupt firing of Susan Monarez, the CDC director, just weeks after her confirmation, highlighting concerns over the decision-making process.
Other key developments in the hearing include updates on the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CR), with Appropriations Chairs Rep. Tom Cole and Sen. Susan Collins pushing to pass several full-year funding bills. They are seeking bipartisan support for these proposals, which include funding for the Department of Agriculture, the legislative branch, military facilities, and veterans’ programs. The Democratic appropriators have also expressed support for the plan, provided it maintains a bipartisan tone.
The hearing will also scrutinize Stephen Miran’s confirmation for the Federal Reserve board, with intense debate expected over Trump’s decision to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Although Tillis has indicated a ‘lean yes’ on Miran, the absence of a clear replacement for Cook until the legal process is resolved adds complexity to the situation.
Finally, a bipartisan delegation from the Problem Solvers Caucus is set to visit the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona, led by Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta. This tour, which also includes other influential members from both parties, aims to address border issues with Customs and Border Patrol, reflecting ongoing bipartisan efforts to tackle the region’s challenges.