RFK Jr. Wins Crucial Vote, Moves One Step Closer to Top HHS Post
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has moved one step closer to being confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) after the Senate Finance Committee narrowly voted 14-13 to advance his nomination to the full Senate.
This vote, which was largely along party lines, sets the stage for a final confirmation vote early next week. If confirmed, Kennedy will oversee a $1.8 trillion budget and manage HHS’s 90,000 employees, and 13 public health agencies including the CDC, FDA and NIH.
Kennedy, founder and former chairman of Children’s Health Defense, has sparked controversy due to his vocal stance on vaccine safety, but he has also garnered support for his proposals to reform public health policies, including tackling the chronic disease epidemic and advocating for truth and transparency in health agencies.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) played a key role in advancing Kennedy’s nomination after securing a commitment from Kennedy for a close working relationship, particularly in areas like public health and vaccine policy. Kennedy’s nomination is expected to succeed, despite opposition from some vaccine advocates.
Kennedy’s confirmation could signal a major shift in U.S. health policy, especially regarding food safety and vaccine transparency, with Kennedy committed to addressing concerns about public health while maintaining scientific integrity.
The full Senate vote is scheduled for February 12.
Full article by Children’s Health Defense, The Defender
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