Sen. Bill Cassidy. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Incoming HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy said he sees an opportunity for bipartisan work next year on promoting healthy foods and reducing obesity.
Why it matters: Cassidy is embracing some of the priorities of President-elect Trump and HHS nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in an area that could also get Democratic support.
- Cassidy even used Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" slogan in his opening statement during a HELP hearing on the topic Thursday, without mentioning Kennedy's name.
What they're saying: "Many of President Trump's concerns about food transparency are echoed by Democratic colleagues including Chair Sanders," Cassidy said.
- He added that next year he is "excited to work with President Trump and colleagues on this dais" on those issues.
- Current HELP Committee Chair Bernie Sanders pressed the FDA officials in attendance on putting forward "strong front-of-package food labels" warning people about unhealthy foods.
- FDA Commissioner Robert Califf frequently returned to the need to ensure that regulations can stand up to the expected legal challenges.
