Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved closer to the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services on Tuesday. The Senate Finance Committee advanced his nomination to the full Senate with a narrow 14-13 party-line vote. This decision followed a series of contentious hearings last week, during which Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a medical professional, expressed hesitance regarding his support for Kennedy, as reported by CBS.
On Tuesday, Cassidy announced that he had made his final decision regarding Kennedy, aided by insights from Vice President J.D. Vance, a former Senate colleague.
“I engaged in extensive discussions with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and even this morning,” Cassidy stated on X.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to VP J.D. for his candid advice. Given the significant commitments I have received from the administration and the chance to advance shared priorities such as promoting healthy foods and a pro-American agenda, I will cast my vote in favor,” he added.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) remarked that Kennedy represents the transformative change the country requires.
“Should Mr. Kennedy be confirmed, he will have the chance to implement essential reforms in our nation’s healthcare system,” he noted, according to the New York Post. “He has dedicated his career to combating America’s chronic illness crisis and has been a prominent advocate for healthcare transparency for both patients and taxpayers.”
The chairman further highlighted that RFK Jr. had addressed over 900 inquiries from the committee. Cassidy expressed concerns regarding Kennedy’s stance on vaccines and his previous remarks linking vaccines to autism, as reported by NBC.
President Donald Trump commented on the increasing rates of autism in a post on Truth Social on Tuesday.
Trump stated, “Twenty years ago, the incidence of autism in children was 1 in 10,000. NOW IT’S 1 in 34. Something is seriously amiss. We need BOBBY!!! Thank you! DJT.”
An organization established by former Vice President Mike Pence intensified its press efforts.
Pence, who held the position of vice president under Trump during his initial term, opposes RFK Jr. due to the latter’s prior endorsement of abortion rights.
“Regardless of the merits of RFK Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again initiative—indeed, irrespective of any other attributes a nominee may possess—a Secretary of Health and Human Services must demonstrate a steadfast commitment to safeguarding unborn children, rather than yielding to the pressures and challenges associated with these vital, daily decisions,” stated Tim Chapman, President of Advancing American Freedom, along with Marc Short, Pence’s former chief of staff, in a letter addressed to senators.
“Although RFK Jr. has made gestures towards pro-life leaders indicating he would consider their concerns at HHS, there is currently little basis for confidence,” they added.
This represents the second formal attempt by Pence and his organization to impede Kennedy’s confirmation. Following Trump’s announcement of Kennedy’s nomination, Pence released a statement urging senators to reject him based on his historical support for abortion, as reported by The Hill.
Kennedy, who initially began his 2024 presidential campaign as a Democrat, had previously supported a ban on abortion after the first trimester but later retracted that position. He also voiced opposition to prohibiting abortion prior to fetal viability, which typically occurs around 24 weeks of gestation.
On his campaign website, Kennedy declared himself “a firm supporter of the principles established 50 years ago in Roe v. Wade” and asserted that “if the courts do not overturn Dobbs v. Jackson and restore abortion rights, he will advocate for legislation to achieve the same.”
Kennedy has sought to reassure Republicans by asserting that his personal beliefs are inconsequential and that he will enforce all anti-abortion policies from the first Trump administration.
