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Health Policy · Political Gridlock · Surgeon General · Vaccine Stance
Dr.
Casey Means' nomination for U.S. Surgeon General is stalled, facing significant bipartisan opposition in the Senate due to concerns over her medical experience, inactive license, vaccine stance, and alignment with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial health agenda. The nomination has languished for nearly 300 days since her May nomination, significantly longer than the average 157 days for President Donald Trump's second-term nominees, highlighting deep rifts in health policy.
Senators Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Bill Cassidy expressed hesitations following a tense February 25, 2026, confirmation hearing where Means was grilled on her views regarding vaccines and past advocacy for psychedelic mushrooms. Despite ongoing efforts from the White House and Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) activists, Means lacks the necessary Republican support to advance from committee, with Senator Thom Tillis also leaning against her confirmation.
This delay marks another setback for Kennedy's agenda, following recent legal challenges.
Some Democrats on Capitol Hill are discussing how to get New York’s senior senator to step aside as minority leader amid concerns about his negotiating style and midterms strategy.
