In this two-topic episode, we break down what became law in November—including the shutdown deal that reopened the government and the dingleberries that were quietly slipped into it. Then we revisit the hearing on the firing of the CDC Director, focusing on a politicized vaccine advisory committee that has changed its recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns.

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Contact Sen. Bill Cassidy

Background Sources

Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes

CD325: Politics Trump Science at the CDC

Hemp

Change to Federal Definition of Hemp and Implications for Federal Enforcement,” [IN12620]. Zachary Neuhofer et al. December 3, 2025. Congressional Research Service.

“Federal Ban on Intoxicating Hemp Products: What It Means for the Hemp Industry.” Tom Church. November 11, 2025. The Church Law Firm.

“Rand Paul wants hemp vote to speed up shutdown endgame.” Meredith Lee Hill and Grace Yarrow. November 11, 2025. Politico.

“Local hemp producers stunned as deal to reopen government attacks hemp.” Nicole Ki. November 10, 2025. Minnesota Public Radio.

January 6 Senators

“Lindsey Graham blocks House-passed bill to repeal shutdown deal provision allowing $500,000 lawsuits from senators.” Kaia Hubbard. November 20, 2025. CBS News.

“Did Republican senators amend funding bill to allow them to sue government over Jan. 6 investigations?” Emery Winter. November 13, 2025. Snopes.

“Thune secures provision in government funding bill letting senators sue for phone records seizure.” Hailey Fuchs. November 10, 2025. Politico.

S.Amdt.3937 to H.R.5371

Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation

“CDC Adopts Contentious Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendation.” Joedy McCreary. December 17, 2025. MedPage Today.

“CDC advisers vote to overturn decades-long policy on hepatitis B vaccine for infants.” Pien Huang et al. December 5, 2025. NPR.

“9,000 Reasons for Routine Childhood Hepatitis B Vaccination.” July 10, 2025. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

“Hepatitis B vaccination and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.” World Health Organization.

“Peter Thiel Associate Jim O’Neill, RFK Jr.’s Right-Hand Man At HHS And New CDC Acting Director, Took Money From, Helped Incubate, Or Was Otherwise Linked To At Least Eight Medical Industry Startups With Direct Business Before The Department He Could Help Run.” Accountable.US.

Jim O’Neill on LinkedIn

Laws

H.R.5371 – Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026

H.R.4405 – Epstein Files Transparency Act

H.R.998 – Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help Act

S.260 – Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act

S.2392 – Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025

Audio Sources

See show notes for CD325: Politics Trump Science at the CDC for clip transcripts.

Music

Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito

Editing

Pro Podcast Solutions

Production Assistance

Clare Kuntz Balcer