Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has cleared a key hurdle, advancing to a full Senate vote after a narrow 14-13 approval by the Senate Finance Committee.
The vote, held on February 4, 2025, fell along party lines, with all Republicans supporting and all Democrats opposing the nomination.
President Donald Trump was taking no chances leading up to the vote, taking to social media to make a last-ditch pitch for RFK Jr.
Trump issues a new statement in support of RFK Jr. as his confirmation heads to a committee vote today. pic.twitter.com/T44d411QSh
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 4, 2025
Kennedy’s appointment has been controversial due to his past skepticism about vaccines and his involvement in vaccine safety lawsuits.
During committee hearings, he defended his stance, insisting that he is “pro-safety” rather than “anti-vaccine.” He also pledged to divest from any financial interest in vaccine-related litigation and expressed openness to revising his views if presented with scientific evidence.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, initially a potential holdout due to his background as a physician, ultimately backed Kennedy’s nomination after securing commitments from the administration on shared health priorities.
The nomination now moves to the full Senate, where the Republican majority holds 53 seats. Kennedy is expected to be confirmed unless at least four GOP senators break ranks. Senators Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski, who have opposed past Trump administration nominees, are seen as potential swing votes.
Democrats, led by Senator Ron Wyden, argue that Kennedy’s leadership could undermine public health efforts. The final Senate vote, expected later this week, will determine whether Kennedy will head the nation’s top health agency.
