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2h ago

GOP Unease Deepens Over RFK Jr.’s Vaccine Agenda After Tylenol–Autism Claim

A Senate vote to restore HHS transparency rules is now on the October calendar.

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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 22: U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., joined by President Donald Trump (L), delivers an announcement on “significant medical and scientific findings for America’s children” in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on September 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. Federal health officials suggested a link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy as a risk for autism, although many health agencies have noted inconclusive results in the research. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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SAN ANSELMO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: In this photo illustration, a Tylenol caplet is displayed on September 22, 2025 in San Anselmo, California. The Trump administration will reportedly link use of the painkiller acetaminophen during pregnancy to autism during a White House press conference today. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Overview

  • At a White House appearance Monday, President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked prenatal Tylenol use to autism, a claim health experts dispute, and HELP Chair Bill Cassidy demanded the supporting data.
  • Cassidy, a physician, has invited Kennedy to testify as Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski expressed alarm over reports that he pushed CDC leaders to preapprove vaccine-schedule changes without scientific backing.
  • Kennedy’s overhauled vaccine panel last week limited routine COVID-19 shots to those 65 and older with ‘shared clinical decision-making’ for younger adults, postponed a proposal to delay newborn hepatitis B vaccination, and advised using separate MMR and varicella shots for children under 4, changes that could restrict insurance coverage and pharmacy access.
  • The Wall Street Journal editorial board questioned whether Kennedy’s Tylenol push aligns with plaintiffs’ lawyers pursuing related litigation, naming several firms and warning of public-health risks from alarming pregnant patients.
  • Independent Sen. Angus King and Sen. Ron Wyden say they have the signatures for an October floor vote to reinstate the Richardson Waiver public-comment requirement, as former CDC officials, including Debra Houry, call for Kennedy to step down.