Both government agencies and nonprofits in Louisiana scrambled to understand what Trump's order pausing federal grants and loans.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. struggled to answer questions about Medicare and Medicaid, programs that affect tens of millions of Americans.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD, (R, Louisiana) holds a key vote on Robert F. Kennedy Jr's HHS Secretary confirmation. When Cassidy asked for a strategy on Medicare and Medicaid, Kennedy could not provide one.

Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana quietly conducted a revealing cross-examination of Kennedy on Wednesday, ahead of the hearing on Thursday that he will lead. He could be a key vote to watch.

Kennedy only said the podcast statements have “been repeatedly debunked.”

On January 20, a new administration began addressing our nation’s pressing problems, including health care costs. Drug costs are unaffordable for many, especially those in small communities with limited access to medical care.

State leaders are trying to prepare for potential cuts to Louisiana’s federal funding, despite confusion over how far President Donald Trump’s attempt to halt support to state and local governments will go.

"My staff has confirmed reports that Medicaid portals are down in all 50 states following last night's federal funding freeze ," the senator from Oregon said on the social media platform X on Tuesday. "This is a blatant attempt to rip away health insurance from millions of Americans overnight and will get people killed."

In testimony to the Senate Finance Committee, Mr. Kennedy seemed to confuse the two government programs that cover more than 150 million Americans.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was asked by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) about Medicare and Medicaid during Kennedy's Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday. See their full exchange.