Senate Committee Advances RFK Jr.'s HHS Nomination

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services advanced through the Senate Finance Committee by a narrow 14-13 vote, with all Republicans supporting it and all Democrats opposing. Senator Bill Cassidy, who initially expressed concerns about Kennedy's vaccine skepticism, ultimately voted in favor after discussions with Kennedy and the White House, citing commitments to work on shared issues like healthy foods. With Republicans holding a slim majority in the Senate, Kennedy can afford a few dissenting votes, but his confirmation remains uncertain as some Republican senators are still undecided. The upcoming full Senate vote is expected soon, with the possibility of a tie needing Vice President JD Vance's intervention. Outside organizations are ramping up efforts to influence the confirmation process against Kennedy, highlighting the partisan divide surrounding his nomination. Cassidy's decision reflects a broader trend of party loyalty overriding individual concerns among Republican senators.