Senate Finance Committee Advances HHS Secretary Nominee RFK Jr. to Full Senate Floor Vote – EVOL

Kennedy, who has been criticized by Democrats and Republicans for his stance on vaccines and comments on abortion, needs a simple majority to gain confirmation.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took a step closer to becoming secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on Feb. 4 when the Senate Finance Committee advanced his nomination to the Senate floor for a full vote with a 14-13 tally.

Criticized by Democrats for their perception of his stance on vaccines, and questioned by some Republicans who have expressed concern over his views about abortion, the former Democrat and independent presidential candidate must get a simple majority to gain confirmation.

Some Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), had voiced their dismay over Kennedy’s comments about vaccines. Republicans such as Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) were uneasy over his views on abortion.

Republicans hold a 53–47 majority in the chamber. The full Senate vote is expected to happen next week.

Kennedy appeared before the Senate Committee on Finance on Jan. 29 for his first confirmation hearing as President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

He was questioned by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) on Jan. 30.

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