Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is poised to become the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services after a narrow Senate finance committee vote. While all Democrats opposed his nomination, all Republicans supported him, including Senator Bill Cassidy, a key swing vote. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation is now likely despite potential dissent from some Republicans in the full Senate vote. His nomination has sparked concerns due to his past vaccine skepticism and controversial views on health issues.
Robert F Kennedy Jr is on track to be confirmed to run the US Department of Health and Human Services. Photograph: Rod Lamkey Jr/APThe Senate finance committee on Tuesday voted 14 to 13 in favour of his confirmation to run the Department of Health and Human Services, with all Republicans supporting Mr Kennedy and all Democrats voting against. His nomination will go to a full Senate vote later this week.
Mr Cassidy wrote on the social media platform X before the vote that he had held “very intense conversations” with Mr Kennedy and the White House, including with vice-president JD Vance, in the run-up to the vote.Trump’s Panama Canal seizure threat revives memories of 1989 US invasion“With the serious commitments I’ve received from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on the issues we agree on, like healthy foods and a pro-American agenda, I will vote yes,” said Mr Cassidy.
Mr Kennedy’s nomination to run the sprawling health department, which has a budget of $1.9 trillion €1.83 trillion) and oversees 13 divisions and agencies including medicines regulator the Food and Drug Administration, has prompted concern from public health officials and pharmaceutical industry insiders owing to his vaccine scepticism and contentious views on a number of health issues.
In a separate development, El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele has said the Central American country could take convicted prisoners from the US in exchange for a fee.
HEALTH POLITICS SENATE CONFIRMATION VACCINES
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