STAT+: Vote on key federal health nominee delayed amid questions over vaccine views

STAT PlusBreaking News Vote on key federal health nominee delayed amid questions over vaccine views Sen. Cassidy’s committee delays vote on Sean Kaufman Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Chelsea CirruzzoJuly 23, 2026 Washington Correspondent Chelsea Cirruzzo[email protected]Chelsea covers the Department of Health and Human Services with a particular focus on power and influence at the top. Confidential tips can be sent via Signal at chelseacirruzzo.42. WASHINGTON — A Trump administration nominee to lead an agency focused on public health disasters had his confirmation vote postponed amid a lack of support just minutes before it was scheduled to take place, after he was lambasted during a confirmation hearing last week for his past anti-vaccine statements. Sean Kaufman, the nominee for assistant secretary for preparedness and response (ASPR), faced tough questions during last week’s hearing after STAT reported that he made a number of comments questioning the safety of vaccines. Advertisement The Senate health committee was supposed to vote on approving his nomination and sending it to the full Senate floor on Thursday morning alongside Erica Schwartz, who is nominated to be director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In CDC, Congress, Donald Trump, HHS, infectious disease, Policy, RFK Jr., STAT+, Vaccines, White House Submit a correction requestReprints Chelsea Cirruzzo Washington Correspondent Chelsea covers the Department of Health and Human Services with a particular focus on power and influence at the top. Confidential tips can be sent via Signal at chelseacirruzzo.42. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Health July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Advocates say federal funding is being cut from groups fighting HIV Business July 16, 2026 STAT Plus: GOP blocks effort to end Medicare test of AI prior authorization Advertisement Health July 15, 2026 Cassidy grills Trump nominee on past vaccine comments in heated exchange Exclusive July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Top Democrats question RFK Jr.’s health care advisory panel Business July 14, 2026 STAT Plus: Hospital chain HCA warns of lower profits as more patients go uninsured Subscriber Picks