Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism towards vaccines and environmental activism, has secured a spot on the path to becoming Donald Trump's Health and Human Services Secretary. The Senate Finance Committee approved his nomination by a party-line vote.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has taken a significant step towards becoming Donald Trump 's Health and Human Services Secretary. The vaccine skeptic and environmental activist, who initially ran for the White House in 2024 before suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump, has secured his place on the path to a cabinet position in the 47th president's administration. Kennedy's nomination progressed through a 27-member Senate Finance Committee, comprised of 14 Republicans and 13 Democrats.
The committee approved his advancement by a narrow party-line vote of 14-13. This marked a slower progression compared to other nominees selected by President Trump, several of whom have already been confirmed and sworn in. Notably, even Trump's controversial pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, successfully navigated the committee stage and was ultimately confirmed after Vice President Pence cast the tie-breaking vote. While no Democrats on the committee were anticipated to vote in favor of Kennedy's confirmation, all eyes were on Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician from Louisiana and the chair of the Senate Health Committee. Cassidy issued a last-minute endorsement, signaling his intention to vote along party lines for Kennedy. However, his prior statements during Kennedy's confirmation hearing, expressing concerns about Kennedy's past arguments undermining confidence in vaccines, cast doubt on his initial support. After the committee vote on Tuesday, Cassidy appeared to have shifted his stance, delivering a speech on the Senate floor detailing his reasoning for supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He highlighted a series of commitments made by Kennedy, including quarterly hearings before the HELP Committee, multiple monthly meetings, the option for the HELP Committee to select representatives on boards or commissions reviewing vaccine safety, and a 30-day notice and hearing for any changes in vaccine safety reviews. Cassidy emphasized that these commitments, along with his expectation of a productive working relationship, formed the basis for his support. Cassidy's office confirmed on Sunday evening that the senator and Kennedy had engaged in conversations over the weekend
ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR. DONALD TRUMP HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY VACCINE SKEPTICISM SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE CONFIRMATION BILL CASSIDY
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Caroline Kennedy Condemns Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Urges Senate to Reject Health Secretary NominationCaroline Kennedy, former U.S. ambassador and daughter of John F. Kennedy, urges the Senate to reject her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Health Secretary, citing his anti-vaccine views and disturbing personal conduct.
Read more »
Caroline Kennedy Slams Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Nomination for Health SecretaryCaroline Kennedy, daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, wrote a scathing letter to the U.S. Senate urging them to reject her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s, nomination as President Donald Trump's health secretary. She criticized RFK Jr.'s stances on vaccines, his history of drug use, and his alleged profiteering from a lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company.
Read more »
Caroline Kennedy Urges Senate to Reject Cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Nomination as Health SecretaryCaroline Kennedy, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, sent a blistering letter to the Senate opposing her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Health and Human Services secretary, citing his lack of experience, dangerous views on vaccines, and history of exploiting family tragedies for personal gain.
Read more »
Trump Orders Release of Records on Kennedy, King, and Robert Kennedy AssassinationsPresident Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating the release of government records related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy. The order requires the attorney general and national intelligence director to present plans for the release of these records by February 7th (Kennedy) and March 9th (King and Robert Kennedy). Trump stated that withholding these records is not in the public interest and that the release is long overdue.
Read more »
Trump Orders Release of Records on Kennedy, King, and Robert Kennedy AssassinationsPresident Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating the release of records related to the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.
Read more »
Trump Orders Release of Records on Kennedy, King, and Robert Kennedy AssassinationsPresident Donald Trump has issued an executive order mandating the release of government records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and former Senator Robert F. Kennedy. The order sets deadlines for the release of these records, which have been subject to redaction and withholding for decades. Trump asserted that the continued secrecy surrounding these events is not in the public interest and that the release of information is long overdue.
Read more »