RFK Jr. faces first vote for Health and Human Services secretary
Share and Follow


WASHINGTON () The Senate Finance Committee will vote Tuesday on whether to send Robert F. Kennedy’s nomination for secretary of Health and Human Services to the floor.

Kennedy’s confirmation faces uncertainty. Key senators to watch include U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., a doctor who pressed Kennedy over his views on vaccines during confirmation hearings last week.

In the hearings, Cassidy repeatedly asked Kennedy whether he would  “reassure mothers unequivocally and without qualification” that the measles and hepatitis B vaccines do not cause autism.

Kennedy did not directly answer the question and instead replied, “If the data is there, I will absolutely do that.”

Multiple studies by health organizations and medical experts have debunked claims about a connection between autism and vaccines. Cassidy told Kennedy his past remarks “undermining confidence in vaccines with unfounded or misleading arguments” concerns him.

On Monday evening, Cassidy said he had “very cordial” conversations with Kennedy over the weekend but was “still working through” the vote.

Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky are also seen as potential “no” votes because they voted against President Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee and have expressed concerns about Kennedy’s anti-vaccine work.

While Kennedy has sparked concerns about his record of spreading misinformation regarding vaccines, he has tried to downplay his past remarks and work, asserting he is not anti-vaccine and promising not to “take away” shots if confirmed.

Kennedy needs support from all but three Republicans if Democrats oppose him.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
New Epstein documents include photos of Bill Clinton shirtless in hot tub, socializing with Michael Jackson

Shocking Epstein Files: Unseen Photos of Bill Clinton & Michael Jackson Emerge

A recently unveiled collection of files from the Department of Justice has…
Former Seattle Mariners first round pick Mike Campbell dead at 61

Former Mariners First-Round Draft Pick Mike Campbell Passes Away at 61

Mike Campbell, a former first-round draft selection by the Seattle Mariners, has…
Kennedy niece vows to attack Trump's name with a PICKAX

Kennedy Niece Launches Bold Campaign to Challenge Trump’s Legacy with Pickaxe Protest

John F. Kennedy’s niece has vowed to personally remove Donald Trump’s name…
Australian authorities release 7 men detained over possible violent plot in wake of Bondi Beach shooting

Australian Authorities Release Seven Men Detained in Connection with Potential Violent Plot Following Bondi Beach Shooting

In a recent development from Australia, seven men who had been detained…
Gisele Bundchen weds Joaquim Valente 3 years after Tom Brady divorce

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen Ties the Knot with Joaquim Valente, 3 Years Post Tom Brady Split

Gisele Bündchen has embarked on a new chapter in her life, celebrating…
Trump launches massive airstrikes in Syria as 'vengeance'

Breaking: Trump Unleashes Major Airstrikes on Syria in Retaliatory Move

On Friday, U.S. forces launched a series of targeted airstrikes against ISIS…
Inside former Prince Andrew's humiliating last Royal Lodge Christmas

Former Prince Andrew Faces Humiliation During Final Christmas at Royal Lodge

Battling the relentless downpour and the biting winds of fate, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Brown and MIT shooting suspect, Nick Reiner's lawyer, Brian Walshe's sentence

Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Updates on Brown and MIT Shooting Suspect, Nick Reiner’s Legal Representation, and Brian Walshe’s Sentencing

An image juxtaposes Claudio Neves-Valente, the alleged gunman at Brown University, clad…