GOP senator faces intraparty criticism after saying he is 'struggling' with RFK Jr's confirmation

GOP Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., did not hold back his anger over Cassidy's remarks, saying, "RFK is going to run HHS whether you like it or not." The post included a photo of Cassidy and Kennedy shaking hands at Thursday's confirmation hearing.

"The Senate is ours, and the moment Trump decides he's had enough of random senators delaying our mission, JD [Vance] is walking in and taking the gavel as president of the Senate," Higgins said. Vice President JD Vance would be the tie-breaking vote if the resulting tally goes along party lines and Cassidy and two other Republicans defect. Vance did so after GOP Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's nomination.     

"There's zero you can do about that," Higgins said. "We, the people, will not be stopped. We're saving the country and RFK is part of the formula. So, vote your conscience, senator, or don't. Either way, we're watching."

"Many already don't trust vaccine manufacturers who enjoy legal immunity for any injuries they cause. Many already don't trust our big food producers and the ingredients they use. Many already don't trust big medicine, big hospitals, or big pharma," Kirk said. "RFK Jr. has said repeatedly he's pro-vaccine, but he's willing to ask the same questions millions of parents are asking right now about ramped-up vaccine schedules, harmful ingredients, and a blind trust in the manufacturers that are enriched by government mandates, even after COVID."

"It's refreshing to see senators taking their advise and consent role seriously," AAF President Tim Chapman said when asked about Cassidy's comments. "We have separate branches of government for a reason, and nominees, such as RFK, who will be handling the largest amount of taxpayer dollars and controlling the federal response to the life issue deserve serious consideration. Every senator must treat this nominee with the same gravitas that Sen. Cassidy is."

Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Cassidy but did not receive a response by publication time.