Senate advances RFK Jr.’s HHS Secretary nomination

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved closer to becoming Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) after the Senate voted 53-47 along party lines to invoke cloture and end debate on his pending nomination. The procedural vote sets the stage for a final confirmation decision expected Thursday.

Kennedy’s nomination by President Donald Trump has been contentious on account of his history of vaccine skepticism and promotion of various health-related conspiracy theories. During his confirmation hearings in front of the Senate Finance and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committees, Kennedy faced rigorous questioning from senators regarding his views on vaccines — including past statements linking vaccines to autism — in addition to his intended public health policies and understanding of his responsibilities as HHS Secretary.

Despite these reservations raised by Democratic lawmakers, their GOP counterparts have expressed support for Kennedy’s nomination. Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-Louisiana), a physician and chair of the HELP Committee, initially expressed reservations about potential vaccine policies, but ultimately endorsed Kennedy.

Notably, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), a polio survivor, also voted to advance Kennedy’s nomination. Given McConnell’s personal experience with a vaccine-preventable disease and his previous statements emphasizing the importance of vaccinations, his support is significant.

If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee the nation’s largest health department, responsible for agencies including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Kennedy has pledged to focus on addressing chronic diseases and nutrition, increasing transparency within health agencies, and restoring public confidence in the nation’s health institutions.

The final confirmation vote — anticipated Thursday — is expected to follow party lines.