Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took a significant step toward becoming the next U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services on Tuesday morning, as the Senate Finance Committee voted to advance his nomination. The 14-13 party-line vote moves President Donald Trump’s pick for the nation’s top healthcare post to the full Senate for final confirmation.
Committee Vote Highlights Partisan Divide
The 27-member Senate Finance Committee, composed of 14 Republicans and 13 Democrats, voted strictly along party lines, with all Republicans supporting Kennedy and all Democrats opposing him. The outcome reflects deep divisions over Kennedy’s controversial stance on vaccines and public health policies.
Notably, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who has previously expressed concerns about Kennedy’s anti-vaccine rhetoric, voted in favor of his confirmation. Cassidy’s decision underscores the GOP’s unified backing of Trump’s nominee despite reservations within the party.
What’s Next? Full Senate Vote Pending
With committee approval secured, Kennedy’s nomination will now proceed to the full Senate for a confirmation vote. A date for the vote has not yet been scheduled. Given the Democratic opposition, his confirmation is expected to be highly contentious.
