Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine critic, moved a step closer to becoming the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services after the Senate voted along party lines to advance his nomination. The 53-47 vote signaled strong Republican support for President Donald Trump, who has embraced Kennedy’s controversial views and pledged to give him broad authority over health policies.
Despite his ties to a traditionally liberal Democratic family, Kennedy has found unexpected backing from conservatives, challenging early predictions that his nomination would fail. The final confirmation vote is expected to take place on Thursday.
Kennedy’s Vaccine Stance Sparks Debate Amid Confirmation Process
Kennedy’s stance on vaccines has been a major point of contention throughout the confirmation process. While he has expressed support for the measles and polio vaccines, he continues to reject the scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism. His refusal to acknowledge large-scale studies disproving such claims has made some Republicans uneasy.
However, Kennedy assured lawmakers that he would not take any action as health secretary to discourage vaccination for essential diseases. This promise has helped him maintain crucial political support despite ongoing criticism from medical professionals and public health experts.
Senate Moves Closer to Confirming RFK Jr. as Health Secretary Despite Vaccine ControversyOne of the most closely watched votes in the confirmation process was that of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is a polio survivor. His decision to vote in favor of advancing Kennedy’s nomination was significant, though it did not guarantee his final support. McConnell previously voted to move forward with Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence but later voted against confirming her.
McConnell had not met with Kennedy before the vote and had previously warned nominees against undermining public trust in established medical treatments. Many polio survivors closely monitored his decision, as Kennedy’s views on vaccines remain a contentious issue.
Key Republican Senators Support Kennedy Despite Vaccine Skepticism and Policy Assurances
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, whose stance was uncertain, also voted in favor of advancing Kennedy’s nomination. During his confirmation hearing, she highlighted the importance of vaccination campaigns in protecting Alaska’s Native communities.
Kennedy had already secured support from two other key Republicans: Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a centrist, and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Their backing was crucial in ensuring the nomination progressed to the final vote, despite reservations about Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and strong advocate for vaccines, expressed deep reservations about Kennedy’s nomination due to his stance on immunization. During Kennedy’s testimony, Cassidy recounted a personal experience treating a young woman who needed a liver transplant due to a vaccine-preventable disease.
Despite heated debates over Kennedy’s views on vaccines and autism, Cassidy ultimately supported the nomination after securing assurances that Congress would receive advance notice of any vaccine policy changes. His endorsement helped solidify Kennedy’s path to confirmation, setting the stage for a final vote that could officially place him in charge of the nation’s health policies.