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Senators and Nominee Clash Over Measles, Vaccine Mandates and Naloxone Funding
Summary
Committee members raised alarms about a recent measles outbreak and debated whether federal vaccine mandates for immigrants should be strengthened; senators also asked O'Neil to press the administration on naloxone funding for first responders amid the fentanyl crisis.
The hearing opened with warnings about a recent measles outbreak that committee leaders said had produced three deaths in a four-month period and renewed debate over federal vaccine mandates for immigrants.
Chairman Cassidy said the outbreak and rising health threats require officials who will rely on science. Cassidy and other senators asked whether federal immunization requirements for legal permanent residents should be enforced against people arriving through irregular migration channels. Jim O'Neil said he is ‘‘very strongly pro vaccine,’’ supports the CDC vaccine schedule and that HHS has a role when people are detained and receive medical screening; he said he would review immigration-law aspects if confirmed.
Separately, Senator Maggie Hassan asked whether first responders should have access to naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses. O'Neil said he has ‘‘very publicly advocated the approval and legalization of naloxone for years’’ and described federal-state partnership as important, adding that he would urge Secretary Kennedy to work with states to ensure naloxone supply rather than simply ending federal support without a replacement plan.
Senators said the administration's proposals to cut naloxone funding and other support would risk more overdose deaths and asked O'Neil to press for transparent alternatives if federal funding is changed.
