RFK Jr.’s HHS Secretary Nomination Advances to Full Senate Vote

The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 along party lines to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services124.

All 14 Republicans on the committee, including Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), voted in favor of Kennedy's nomination4.

Kennedy's nomination has been controversial due to his past statements questioning vaccine safety and efficacy2.

During the confirmation hearings, Kennedy stated that he supports vaccines and is "pro-safety," but his past comments have raised concerns among some senators2.

The nomination now moves to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote13.

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have been actively lobbying senators to support Kennedy's nomination2.

If confirmed, Kennedy would lead the Department of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration2.

The nomination process has highlighted debates surrounding vaccine policy and public health leadership in the current political climate.

Sources:

1. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/nomination-rfk-jr-health-secretary-clears-senate-committee-teeing-full-vote

2. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/rfk-jr-faces-high-stakes-vote-bid-become/story?id=118413322

3. https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-02-04-senate-finance-committee-advances-rfk-jr-nomination-hhs-secretary

4. https://www.axios.com/2025/02/04/rfk-senate-vote-health-human-services-secretary