Washington — The Senate has voted to move forward with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to head the Department of Health and Human Services, setting the stage for a final confirmation vote later this week.
In a vote of 53 to 47, the Senate overcame the last procedural obstacle for Kennedy’s nomination. The outcome followed party lines.
Previously seen as having one of the weakest paths to confirmation among President Trump’s nominees, the 71-year-old Kennedy has encountered scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans in recent weeks. This included heated hearings last month, where he faced tough questioning regarding his controversial stances on vaccines and abortion.
A long-time environmental lawyer and activist, Kennedy initiated a campaign for the White House in the 2024 election. He initially pursued the Democratic nomination and has close familial ties to the party as the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and the son of Robert F. Kennedy. However, he exited the presidential race in August to endorse Mr. Trump.
Kennedy’s nomination was approved by the committee last week, with the vote hinging on a single Republican senator. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a medical doctor, had expressed reservations about Kennedy’s nomination due to his skepticism about vaccines. Moments before the committee vote, Cassidy declared his support for him.
Outside the committee, Republican resistance to Kennedy’s nomination appears to be waning. Sen. Susan Collins, one of the few Republicans who has voted against any of the president’s nominees, stated on Monday that she intends to support Kennedy’s confirmation.
Democrats have expressed strong opposition to the nominee for HHS. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer contended that Republican backing is a result of pressure from the White House.
“The vote on RFK poses a straightforward question,” Schumer said. “Will Republicans choose the right path for American public health, or will they capitulate to Donald Trump’s demands, regardless of how misguided they might be?”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune offered praise for Kennedy ahead of the procedural vote, expressing his anticipation for Kennedy to be a “partner to Congress on significant issues,” particularly regarding chronic disease. Thune noted his optimism that Kennedy has “pledged to carry out President Trump’s pro-life policies at HHS.”
“Mr. Kennedy has promised to transform HHS into a collaborative, transparent, and science-driven agency under his guidance,” Thune remarked, adding that Kennedy has committed to an “unprecedented level of collaboration with Congress” and “routine and thorough oversight of his agency’s operations.”
