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Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, has criticized the Department of Health and Human Services for redirecting funds away from mRNA vaccine development. He believes this move undermines President Donald Trump’s efforts to improve the nation’s health.
“We carefully examined the science, consulted with experts, and took action,” stated Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as mentioned in an HHS press release.
“BARDA is discontinuing 22 mRNA vaccine development projects due to data indicating that these vaccines are not effectively protecting against upper respiratory infections like COVID and the flu. We are reallocating this funding towards safer vaccine platforms that have broader effectiveness, even as viruses mutate.”
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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., makes his way to the inaugural Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Cassidy expressed his disapproval of the decision.
“It is regrettable that the Secretary has terminated half a billion dollars’ worth of work, wasting already invested funds. This action has also conceded an important technology to China that is crucial for combating cancer and infectious diseases. President Trump’s goals of Making America Healthy Again and Making America Great Again are undermined by this move,” the senator stated in a post on X.
The HHS clarified, “While some ongoing contracts (e.g., Arcturus and Amplitude) will continue to be honored to protect previous taxpayer investments, no new mRNA-based projects will be initiated. HHS has also directed its partner, Global Health Investment Corporation (GHIC), to halt all mRNA-based equity investments managed by BARDA Ventures. In total, this decision impacts 22 projects valued at nearly $500 million. Other applications of mRNA technology within the department are not affected by this announcement.”
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Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and ranking Member on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, participates in a hearing on prescription drug costs at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Feb. 8, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Fox News Digital contacted Cassidy’s office for comment on Thursday, but had not received a response by the time of publication.
Cassidy, who has been serving in the Senate since 2015, is seeking re-election in 2026. However, he faces competition from other Republican candidates who have also thrown their hats in the ring for the Senate seat.
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In February 2021, Cassidy voted to convict Trump following the House impeachment proceedings in the aftermath of the January 6 events at the U.S. Capitol. This Senate vote, which took place after Trump had already left office, ultimately fell short of the required majority for conviction.
