RFK Jr. Passes Crucial Vote for U.S. Health Secretary Position
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is edging closer to the position of United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advanced in his path to becoming the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services following a narrow 14-13 vote by the Senate Finance Committee to endorse his nomination. The vote saw unanimous support from Republicans, while all Democrats were opposed.
At 71, Kennedy, an environmental attorney and noted vaccine skeptic, encountered intense scrutiny during his confirmation hearings. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who serves as both a physician and the chairman of the Senate Health Committee, initially raised concerns regarding Kennedy's vaccination views. However, after receiving assurances from Kennedy and the administration about their commitment to maintaining the public health benefits of vaccination, Cassidy decided to support the nomination.
Opposition to Kennedy’s nomination came strongly from Democrats, led by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon. Wyden expressed fears that Kennedy’s potential leadership could undermine public confidence in vaccines and health initiatives, stating, “Mr. Kennedy has given us no reason to believe he will be anything other than a rubber stamp for plans to cut Medicaid and rip health care away from the American people.”
The full Senate is slated to vote on Kennedy’s nomination soon, as Republicans currently maintain a majority. A simple majority vote is necessary for confirmation.
President Donald Trump nominated Kennedy for the position shortly after his re-election victory in November. If confirmed, Kennedy will manage a significant budget and oversee key agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health, among others.
Before the committee's vote, Trump expressed his support for Kennedy in a post on Truth Social. He remarked, “Twenty years ago, autism in children was 1 in 10,000. NOW IT’S 1 in 34. WOW! Something’s really wrong. We need BOBBY!!! Thank You! DJT.”
Kennedy, the son of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, has been a vocal adversary of the COVID-19 response measures advocated by the World Health Organization, specifically criticizing strict lockdowns and the swift distribution of vaccines.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
At 71, Kennedy, an environmental attorney and noted vaccine skeptic, encountered intense scrutiny during his confirmation hearings. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who serves as both a physician and the chairman of the Senate Health Committee, initially raised concerns regarding Kennedy's vaccination views. However, after receiving assurances from Kennedy and the administration about their commitment to maintaining the public health benefits of vaccination, Cassidy decided to support the nomination.
Opposition to Kennedy’s nomination came strongly from Democrats, led by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon. Wyden expressed fears that Kennedy’s potential leadership could undermine public confidence in vaccines and health initiatives, stating, “Mr. Kennedy has given us no reason to believe he will be anything other than a rubber stamp for plans to cut Medicaid and rip health care away from the American people.”
The full Senate is slated to vote on Kennedy’s nomination soon, as Republicans currently maintain a majority. A simple majority vote is necessary for confirmation.
President Donald Trump nominated Kennedy for the position shortly after his re-election victory in November. If confirmed, Kennedy will manage a significant budget and oversee key agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health, among others.
Before the committee's vote, Trump expressed his support for Kennedy in a post on Truth Social. He remarked, “Twenty years ago, autism in children was 1 in 10,000. NOW IT’S 1 in 34. WOW! Something’s really wrong. We need BOBBY!!! Thank You! DJT.”
Kennedy, the son of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, has been a vocal adversary of the COVID-19 response measures advocated by the World Health Organization, specifically criticizing strict lockdowns and the swift distribution of vaccines.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
