Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to function secretary of Well being and Human Companies was formally confirmed by the Senate on Thursday.
The ultimate vote was 52 to 48.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, who overcame polio at a younger age, was the only Republican to oppose Kennedy and vote no. Democrats have been unanimous of their opposition to Kennedy.
Kennedy’s affirmation comes after months of controversy and debate, largely targeted on his previous feedback casting doubt on the protection and efficacy of vaccines.
An environmental lawyer with no expertise working in well being administration or medication, Kennedy will now oversee a sprawling community of companies that present well being protection to tens of millions of Individuals, regulate the meals trade and reply to world well being threats.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Well being and Human Companies, testifies earlier than a Senate Finance Committee affirmation listening to on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025.
Nathan Howard/Reuters
President Donald Trump embraced Kennedy on the marketing campaign path after the scion of America’s most well-known Democratic dynasty dropped his personal impartial bid for president and endorsed Trump.
Shortly after the election, Trump tapped Kennedy to guide HHS and promised to let him “go wild” on well being.
Throughout his affirmation hearings, Kennedy was grilled on his previous claims about vaccinations, together with his unfounded claims linking them to autism.
In a shift from earlier statements, Kennedy voiced assist for polio and measles immunizations. He advised lawmakers he was not “anti-vaccine” however slightly “pro-safety.” Although, he nonetheless refused to say that vaccines weren’t linked to autism or that COVID-19 vaccines saved lives.
However the feedback appeared sufficient for some skeptical Republican senators to come back to his aspect. Trump and Vice President JD Vance additionally referred to as senators to rally assist for Kennedy.
Republican Sen. Invoice Cassidy, a longtime doctor and vaccine advocate who overtly struggled with Kennedy’s nomination, voted to report his nomination out of committee and to the Senate ground.
Cassidy stated he obtained a number of commitments from Kennedy, together with conferences a number of instances a month and advance discover to Congress if HHS plans to hunt any adjustments to vaccine packages.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, thought-about one other swing vote, earlier this week introduced she’d vote for Kennedy after elevating issues concerning the Trump administration’s directive for the Nationwide Institutes of Well being to chop assist for well being analysis at universities. (The coverage has been quickly blocked by a federal choose).
“He stated he would re-examine them and appeared to grasp,” Collins advised reporters on the Capitol.
