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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Moves Closer to Leading HHS After Senate Panel Vote

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one step closer to leading HHS after the Senate Finance Committee approved his nomination 14-13. The full Senate will now decide his confirmation amid bipartisan controversy over his policy views and past statements.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS is headed to the Senate floor. | Francis Chung/POLITICO

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one step closer to heading the nation’s top health agency after the Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 on Tuesday to recommend his confirmation.

Full Senate to Decide on Kennedy’s Confirmation

The full Senate will now determine whether Kennedy will lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). His nomination has sparked bipartisan controversy due to his positions on vaccines, abortion, environmental policies, food production, and drug legalization.

Kennedy was nominated by President Donald Trump after Kennedy ended his own presidential bid and endorsed Trump. His appointment has faced opposition from both Democrats and Republicans, with some lawmakers raising concerns over his past statements and personal behavior.

Key Vote from Senator Bill Cassidy

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) cast the decisive vote in the narrow 14-13 committee approval. Last week, Cassidy sharply questioned Kennedy during a Senate health panel hearing regarding his stance on vaccine safety.

Cassidy later explained his support for Kennedy in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying he received “serious commitments” from Vice President JD Vance and saw an opportunity to advance policies on healthy foods and a pro-American agenda.

Next Steps for Kennedy’s Confirmation

With the Senate closely divided, Kennedy’s confirmation vote could be unpredictable. Some moderate Republicans and centrist Democrats have yet to publicly state their positions, making the final outcome uncertain.

If confirmed, Kennedy would lead HHS, overseeing critical agencies such as the CDC, FDA, and NIH. His leadership could bring significant policy shifts, especially in public health, medical research, and regulatory enforcement.

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