Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is nearing closer to becoming the next Secretary of Health and Human Services.
On Tuesday, a 27-member panel that consisted of 14 Republicans and 13 Democrats making up the Senate finance committee, OK’d Kennedy’s advancement by a vote of 14-13 that went along party lines, Fox News reported.
Kennedy, known for being a vaccine skeptic and environmental crusader, ran for president as an independent in 2024, then dropped out of the race to support Republican then-candidate Donald Trump.
If Kennedy is ultimately confirmed, he will head 18 federal agencies that oversee the nation’s food and health. Kennedy has been criticized for his claims that vaccines are linked to autism. This claim has been debunked by scientific research.
No Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee were expected to vote to confirm Kennedy, Sen. Bill Cassidy (D-La.) ended up endorsing Kennedy.
Cassidy issued a last minute endorsement indicating a party line vote for Kennedy.
Cassidy posted on X before Tuesday’s vote he had “very intense conversations” with Kennedy and the White House over the weekend. He also thanked Vice President JD Vance “for his honest counsel.”.
“I’ve had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and even this morning. I want to thank VP JD specifically for his honest counsel. With the serious commitments I’ve received from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on the issues we agree on like healthy foods and a pro-American agenda, I will vote yes,” he posted.
