Kennedy Jr.'s HHS Nomination Advances in Senate

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Health and Human Services Secretary has cleared the Senate Finance Committee with a narrow party-line vote of 14-13, advancing to a full Senate vote. His controversial stance on vaccines, which he has linked to autism despite scientific refutation, has been a major point of contention. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, initially skeptical due to Kennedy's vaccine claims, ultimately supported the nomination after assurances of collaboration with the Senate Health Committee and commitments from the administration on shared priorities like healthy foods. President Trump has publicly supported Kennedy, reiterating debunked claims about autism rates and vaccines. Kennedy's nomination continues to face opposition from Democrats, with concerns about his past actions undermining vaccine confidence, though his nomination could reshape public health policies if confirmed. Meanwhile, Sen. Todd Young has announced his support for Tulsi Gabbard as the nominee for director of national intelligence, after securing commitments on her stance on key issues.