Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination by President-elect Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has stirred immediate concerns among Democrats and public health experts. However, reactions from Senate Republicans have been mixed, with some expressing support while others remain open to further examination.
Kennedy, known for his outspoken views against vaccines, has made the case that chronic diseases in America are linked to environmental toxins, processed foods, and chemical additives, as well as fluoridated water and vaccines. He has also advocated for raw milk access.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) expressed optimism about Kennedy’s focus on healthy living and transparency in public health, saying he looked forward to understanding Kennedy’s broader policy positions in support of a conservative agenda.
Kennedy’s nomination for HHS faces hurdles as Senate Republicans weigh his focus on health care reform versus vaccine skepticism
Cassidy, set to lead the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, noted that Kennedy’s confirmation would be handled by the Senate Finance Committee. Should Senate Democrats oppose Kennedy, a handful of Republicans could block the nomination.
Meanwhile, Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), the expected chair of the Finance Committee, indicated an eagerness to explore Kennedy’s agenda, especially his focus on improving the health care system.
Kennedy’s long history of questioning vaccine safety has led to concerns in the financial and public health sectors about his potential role overseeing the agencies that regulate such products. His nomination comes despite various scandals from his independent presidential campaign, which have sparked further controversy.
Although Kennedy’s nomination has stirred far less GOP skepticism than other picks, such as Matt Gaetz for attorney general, Democratic lawmakers and public health advocates are united in urging senators to reject it. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) warned that confirming Kennedy could severely harm public health, including research, innovation, and reproductive rights.
Kennedy’s credentials are largely in environmental law, with no formal medical training or experience in leading a government agency. If confirmed, he would oversee an enormous agency, HHS, with a nearly $2 trillion budget and oversight of critical programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, as well as public health threats like COVID-19.
Kennedy’s confirmation requires only 51 votes in the Senate, where Republicans will hold a 53-47 majority next year. Some Republicans, including Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), have voiced strong support for Kennedy, praising his transparency and commitment to improving America’s health.
Others, like Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), also expressed their backing, calling Kennedy an excellent choice to lead HHS. However, some GOP senators, while withholding enthusiastic support, have refrained from opposing the nomination outright.
Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) noted that while the president has the right to make nominations, the Senate will carefully review each one. Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) acknowledged potential opposition to some of Trump’s nominees but emphasized the Senate’s role in thorough vetting. Though Trump has suggested recess appointments to bypass opposition, Thune recognized that such an approach would be challenging.
