Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., Advocates for Health Record Transparency Similar to Presidential Candidates Releasing Tax Returns

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and a physician, has proposed that elected officials should make their health records publicly available, drawing a parallel with the practice of presidential candidates releasing their tax returns. The call for increased transparency regarding the physical and mental fitness of elected officials has gained prominence following Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s recent episode of freezing, which was his second such incident.

Cassidy argued that it should become a “house rule” for political candidates to disclose their medical records, emphasizing the responsibility incumbent upon those seeking public office. During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Cassidy asserted that individuals aspiring to be President of the United States, senators, or House members should provide voters with comprehensive information, including evidence of mental clarity.

He further stated, “Because if the voter’s going to make a decision, we need to give them as much information as we possibly can.”

Questions surrounding the capacity of politicians to serve effectively have arisen due to their age and health conditions. President Joe Biden, aged 80, faces significant concerns from voters regarding his age. Additionally, Senator Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from California, has encountered calls for her resignation after being absent for three months due to a shingles diagnosis and experiencing awkward moments on Capitol Hill.

Regarding Senator McConnell’s situation, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician in the Capitol, has cleared him to continue serving as the Senate GOP leader. Dr. Monahan’s medical evaluation also included consultations with multiple neurologists, who found “no evidence” of a movement disorder or a mini-stroke, as stated in a doctor’s note.

Cassidy commended Senator McConnell for the way he handled his health issue and suggested that his case could serve as a model for other candidates to adopt greater transparency regarding their health.

Cassidy posed questions about transparency, stating, “Shouldn’t there be transparency? Shouldn’t President Biden, for example, release a full kind of neurologic evaluation of his cognitive ability and whomever else?” He proposed that candidates should follow Senator McConnell’s example, emphasizing the importance of total transparency.