The nomination now proceeds to a full Senate vote, the place Republicans maintain a majority
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has moved nearer to changing into the US Secretary of Well being and Human Companies after the Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 to approve his nomination, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed.
Kennedy, 71, an environmental lawyer and well-known vaccine skeptic, confronted rigorous questioning throughout his affirmation hearings. Republican Senator Invoice Cassidy of Louisiana, a doctor and chairman of the Senate Well being Committee, had initially expressed reservations about Kennedy’s stance on vaccines. Nevertheless, Cassidy finally voted in favor after receiving assurances from Kennedy and the administration of their “dedication to defending the general public well being advantage of vaccination.”
Democrats, led by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, strongly opposed the nomination, citing issues over Kennedy’s views. Wyden warned that Kennedy’s management might erode public belief in vaccines and public well being initiatives. “Mr. Kennedy has given us no purpose to consider he can be something aside from a rubber stamp for plans to chop Medicaid and rip well being care away from the American individuals,” Wyden acknowledged.
The total Senate, the place Republicans at present maintain a majority, is anticipated to vote on Kennedy’s nomination within the coming days or subsequent week. A easy majority is required for affirmation.
US President Donald Trump nominated Kennedy for HHS Secretary shortly after profitable re-election in November. If confirmed, Kennedy will oversee an enormous price range and key companies, together with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA), the Nationwide Institutes of Well being (NIH), and different sub-agencies.
Shortly earlier than the committee’s vote, Trump endorsed his nominee in a submit on Fact Social. “Twenty years in the past, autism in kids was 1 in 10,000. NOW IT’S 1 in 34. WOW! One thing’s actually flawed. We want BOBBY!!! Thank You! DJT,” the president wrote.
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Kennedy is the son of former US Legal professional Common Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. He was a vocal critic of the COVID-19 response measures advisable by the World Well being Group (WHO), significantly strict lockdowns and the speedy rollout of vaccines.
