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RFK Jr Confirmation for HHS Secretary Advances to Full Senate After Committee Votes
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Key Takeaways
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr's nomination advanced despite controversy over his history of spreading health misinformation and vaccine skepticism.
- Senators Warren and Wyden raised concerns about Kennedy's financial interests in vaccine litigation, questioning his ability to serve without conflicts.
With a majority vote by the Senate Finance Committee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr's nomination for health secretary is pushed to a vote from the full Senate.
Today, the Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13, in accordance with party lines, to push Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s HHS nomination to the Senate floor. With this decision, Kennedy overcame the primary hurdle en route to being named the nation’s leading health official.1
Kennedy has faced a fair share of obstacles throughout his nomination confirmation. After a difficult showing in last week’s hearings, where his plans for health care reform, policy knowledge, and stances on vaccine efficacy were all brought into question, Senators expressed serious doubt about Kennedy's abilities to lead HHS.2
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. | image credit: Renato68 - stock.adobe.com
The nomination has sparked controversy since its announcement, with immediate reactions focusing on Kennedy's long history of spreading misinformation, including unsupported theories that linked vaccination to autism, anti-depressants to school shootings, and Wi-Fi to cancer, all while promoting the consumption of raw milk—the idea of which has become increasingly dangerous among bird flu (H5N1) outbreaks that have burdened US poultry and cattle farms. If confirmed, Kennedy will be in a position to have major influences on public health policies as President Donald J. Trump has already given him the green light to “go wild” on health care.3
Today, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D, Massachusetts) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D, Oregon), members of the Senate Finance Committee, had choice criticism for Kennedy while casting their votes, echoing a statement they released prior.4 In a letter to Kennedy, they expressed concerns about his maintained financial interest in ongoing vaccine litigation, writing, “It seems possible that many different types of vaccine-related decisions and communications—which you would be empowered to make and influence as Secretary—could result in significant financial compensation for your family… You cannot credibly serve as Secretary without clearly and fully addressing these conflicts.”
Specifically, Kennedy’s relationship is with the WisnerBaum law firm; he has since vowed to dismantle his interest in an updated ethics agreement; however, in doing so, he indicated intentions to transfer these interests to his son. Lawmakers were not swayed by this amendment and remained apprehensive about lacking transparency and the proceeding conflict of interest.
“Robert F. Kennedy Jr pledged during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday to root out corruption between industry and government. Yet the man who wants to be the nation’s Secretary of Health and Human Services refused to rule out personally making money from lawsuits against drug makers. This ought to be disqualifying,” the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board wrote, agreeing with the sentiments of Senator Warren.
The critical vote came down to Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD, who gave Republicans a majority of 1 in the Finance Committee (14 Republicans, 13 Democrats).5 Leading up to today’s decision, Cassidy was hesitant about which direction to cast his vote as he had been adamantly at odds with Kennedy's longstanding antivaccine perspectives. When face-to-face with Kennedy, Cassidy, a doctor himself, said, “Convince me that you will become the public health advocate, but not just churn old information so that there’s never a conclusion.” Despite this hesitancy, Cassidy ultimately stated, “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.”
Kennedy's nomination is now in the hands of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.6
References
1. Trump Administration Live Updates: Kennedy’s Nomination as Health Secretary Passes Committee Vote. NY Times. February 4, 2025. Access February 4, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/02/04/us/trump-administration-rfk-jr-gabbard
2. Grossi G. RFK Jr fails to offer a clear Medicaid, Medicare strategy. AJMC®. January 29, 2025. Accessed February 4, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/rfk-jr-fails-to-offer-a-clear-medicaid-medicare-strategy
3. Mattina C. Trump announces RFK Jr as HHS secretary pick. AJMC®. November 14, 2024. Accessed February 4, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/trump-announces-rfk-jr-as-hhs-secretary-pick
4. Warren, Wyden Press RFK Jr. to Resolve Conflicts of Interest Ahead of Committee Vote. Elizabeth Warren. News Release. February 3, 2025. Accessed February 4, 2025. https://www.warren.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/warren-wyden-press-rfk-jr-to-resolve-conflicts-of-interest-ahead-of-committee-vote
5. Stolberg SG. Who is Bill Cassidy, the Republican whose support is crucial for Kennedy? NY Times. Updated February 4, 2025. Accessed February 4, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/us/politics/bill-cassidy-senator-rfk-jr.html?smid=url-share
6. Wendling M. RFK Jr clears first vote towards Senate confirmation. BBC News. February 4, 2025. Accessed February 4, 2025. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0le7x7274o
