Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made significant progress toward his nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Senate cast a vote of 52-47 in favor of advancing his nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, with the final vote by the full Senate scheduled for next week. Earlier this week, the Senate Finance Committee had already moved Kennedy’s nomination forward to the entire Senate.
The vote was initially uncertain following intense hearings last week, particularly after Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who is also a physician, expressed hesitance regarding his support for Kennedy. On Tuesday, Cassidy announced that he had reached a definitive conclusion about Kennedy’s nomination, aided by discussions with Vice President J.D. Vance, a former Senate colleague.
“I engaged in thorough discussions with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and again this morning,” Cassidy shared on X. “I extend my gratitude to VP J.D. for his candid advice. Given the serious 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 stated.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) remarked that Kennedy represents the transformative change the nation requires. “If confirmed, Mr. Kennedy will have the chance to implement essential reforms in our health care system,” he commented, as reported by the New York Post. “He has dedicated his career to combating America’s chronic illness crisis and has been a prominent advocate for health care transparency for both patients and taxpayers.” The chairman also highlighted that RFK Jr. had addressed over 900 inquiries from the committee.
Cassidy had previously expressed concerns regarding Kennedy’s stance on vaccines and his earlier remarks linking vaccines to autism, as noted by NBC.
Additionally, an organization established by former Vice President Mike Pence intensified its efforts last month to persuade Republican senators to oppose RFK Jr.’s nomination.
Pence, who held the position of vice president under Trump during his initial term, has expressed opposition to RFK Jr. due to the latter’s prior support for abortion rights.
In a letter addressed to senators, Tim Chapman, President of Advancing American Freedom, along with Marc Short, Pence’s former chief of staff and current Board Chairman, emphasized the necessity for an HHS Secretary to possess a steadfast commitment to safeguarding unborn children. They stated, “Regardless of the merits of RFK Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again initiative or any other attributes a nominee may have, a firm dedication to protecting unborn children is essential, as is the ability to withstand the pressures and challenges associated with these critical daily decisions.”
They further noted, “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 in this regard.”
This represents Pence and his organization’s second formal attempt to impede Kennedy’s confirmation. Following Trump’s announcement of Kennedy’s nomination, Pence promptly 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 endorsed a prohibition on abortion after the first trimester but later retracted that position. He also voiced opposition to banning 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 “should the courts fail to overturn Dobbs v. Jackson and restore abortion rights, he would advocate for legislation to achieve that goal.”
Kennedy sought to reassure Republican constituents by asserting that his personal beliefs were inconsequential and that he would enforce all anti-abortion policies from the first Trump administration if he were to assume office.
