Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cleared a crucial Senate hurdle on Tuesday after the chamber’s Finance Committee advanced along party lines his nomination to be health and human services secretary. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who clashed with the Trump nominee during confirmation hearings last week over Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism, was an initial holdout but ultimately voted […]
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who clashed with the Trump nominee during confirmation hearings last week over Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism, was an initial holdout but ultimately voted in favor of Kennedy in a 14-13 vote.
Kennedy’s nomination will now be considered by the full chamber, but his confirmation could still be in jeopardy. Other Republicans whom Kennedy may need but who have expressed similar concerns about his vaccine skepticism include Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).
Kennedy has emerged as one of Trump’s most controversial Cabinet picks who’s faced headwinds over his qualifications, advocacy against vaccines, and promotion of public health conspiracies.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
