Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), appeared on CBS News’ The Takeout with Major Garrett to discuss recent developments at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine policies, and the President’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

Marshall addressed changes in CDC leadership, referencing President Trump’s selection of Bobby Kennedy Jr as HHS director. He said, “Well, look, I believe that President Trump selected Bobby Kennedy Jr to be his HHS director is because he’s a disruptor. And he wants us to address the true health issues in this country. Look, 60% of Americans have a chronic disease. The CDC is for chronic disease prevention. So we need to have more focus on prevention. Dr. Monerez was obviously not following that mission; she had other priorities. So I think what we’re seeing is a big change here in the CDC, and again, I hope that they get focused on helping us to prevent these chronic diseases, which are harming Americans.”

On the balance between vaccines and chronic disease treatment at the CDC, Marshall noted his medical background and raised concerns about vaccine recommendations: “I think we need to stay focused here on the big picture that she was not cooperating with the mission, and I think part of that mission is being more transparent. You may know that I’m an OBGYN, delivered 5000 babies. I’m not sure that every baby at one day of age needs a hepatitis vaccine, which is what she’s pushing for right now. Along with not every child needs a Covid vaccine as well.

“So I think that she was not willing to tolerate some of this willingness to cooperate and to share with parents what the information that they’re looking for. So I’m sorry it didn’t work out. I made a mistake. I voted to confirm her, but she was not going along with the bigger mission here. And again, I think we need to shift the CDC away from just a vaccine clinic, but turning it into a true clinic that’s focused on preventing chronic diseases.”

Discussing Florida's approach to vaccines and their role in public health policy nationwide, Marshall stated: “Yeah, that may be a bridge too far for me personally. Look, the vaccines have saved, no doubt, millions of lives. So you think about smallpox, polio, just for starters. And some babies do need a hepatitis B vaccine, but not everyone.

“I think the challenge here though is one of the issues that Secretary Kennedy is trying to address is that the CDC has lost its reputation. The CDC lied to us about COVID, about the COVID vaccinations in particular. So now we don’t have confidence in them and here’s a state that’s probably overreacting as well. I want to do everything we can to preserve and make sacred that patient-physician relationship and I want parents to have input and I think that's the job of the CDC is to make sure that patients have everything they need there to make that good decision for their children.

“But 76 jabs is too many right now; the CDC is recommending 76 jabs before the baby is old enough to vote—I think that's just a little bit over the top—somewhere in between there's got to be a sweet spot.”

When asked about longstanding childhood vaccines such as those for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Marshall responded: “I am too. I think that's one of the good ones that's been around; it's stood the test of time—I would encourage everyone to get that particular one—but again I think we need just be more selective—again 76 is just too many—18 jabs in first 18 months—I'm concerned about interaction between those vaccinations—how's impacting development of baby's immune system—and I think that's what we need CDC & NIH researching.”

Marshall also commented on calls for full release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein: “I want all papers released—I want truth told—look this very important—these young ladies were sexually abused—they were raped—I want every person involved held accountable thrown jail all those types things…as father grandfather…I want make sure everybody…held accountable.

“You know I'm not over House side…I want give them over fully prescriptive advice…I am definitely favor though releasing all information about it…and…that’s what see Jamie Comer over there Chairperson…doing.”

On potential rebranding or impact of President Biden's legislative package known as One Big Beautiful Bill—which recently became law—Marshall said: “Maybe should ask Cracker Barrel about rebranding...Look One Big Beautiful Bill now law...largest tax cut American history...largest spending cut American history...great bill small businesses...great bill hard-working Americans...bill stands own two feet.

“And what's really going matter year from now economy doing? Is bill doing what said it's going do? Think it'll mean $1k month American pocketbooks when comes fruition.”