Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nominated as HHS Secretary, Faces Senate Vote

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has moved closer to confirmation as the Secretary of Health and Human Services after a narrow 14-13 vote by the Senate Finance Committee, with all Republicans supporting him despite significant Democratic opposition. Concerns surrounding Kennedy's history of anti-vaccine rhetoric and his statements during the confirmation hearings were highlighted, particularly his claims that vaccine safety science is unsettled. While he insisted he is pro-vaccine and committed to promoting vaccine research, past comments have raised alarms among senators, with some fearing his influence could hinder vaccination efforts. Senator Bill Cassidy, a key Republican who initially expressed skepticism, ultimately voted in favor of Kennedy after discussions with the Trump administration. The nomination will now be presented to the full Senate, where Republicans hold a slim majority. Kennedy's contentious nomination reflects deeper partisan divides on public health issues, particularly vaccines.