WASHINGTON (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the former environmental lawyer turned public health critic, faces a crucial vote on Tuesday as the Senate Finance Committee decides whether to advance his nomination as the nation’s top health official. Despite ongoing concerns from Democrats about his anti-vaccine stance and potential conflicts of interest, Republicans are largely backing President Donald Trump’s nominee for Health Secretary. In a recent development, Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, previously undecided, announced his support for Kennedy’s confirmation.
Kennedy’s path to confirmation hinges on securing votes from all but three Republicans, considering unanimous Democratic opposition. The pivotal vote of Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician and member of the finance committee, remains uncertain. During the confirmation hearings, Cassidy urged Kennedy to disavow debunked theories linking vaccines to autism, expressing reservations about his past statements eroding trust in vaccinations. Cassidy, who described his deliberation on the vote as a struggle, indicated he was still weighing his decision after recent discussions with Kennedy.
Other Republican senators, including Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, are also potential swing votes due to concerns over Kennedy’s anti-vaccine advocacy. McConnell emphasized the importance of vaccines in a recent interview but refrained from disclosing his stance on Kennedy’s nomination. Meanwhile, Democrats are raising alarm over potential financial conflicts of interest for Kennedy if confirmed, citing his ties to vaccine-related lawsuits and referrals that have netted him millions of dollars in recent years.
As Health Secretary, Kennedy would oversee crucial public health initiatives, including vaccine recommendations and disease prevention efforts, within the $1.7 trillion agency. His allies hope to sway undecided senators, potentially targeting Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who has shown support for Kennedy’s efforts to promote healthier food options. The confirmation vote poses a significant test for Kennedy’s controversial nomination to lead the nation’s healthcare system.
Democratic Senator John Fetterman has recently been under scrutiny, with him admitting in an interview with Fox News Channel that the nomination process has been quite challenging for him. A campaign led by Democrats has focused on highlighting Senator Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance and involvement in Samoa during a tragic measles outbreak in 2019 that claimed the lives of numerous children and infants. This campaign has also turned its attention to Republican Senator John Curtis, who represents Utah, a state with a significant Samoan population.
The upcoming vote on Tuesday marks just the beginning of the decision-making process. The Senate finance committee, comprised of 25 senators, will be tasked with voting on whether to recommend Kennedy for a vote on the Senate floor, where all 100 senators will have the opportunity to cast their votes on the nomination. Although the committee’s decision will provide a strong indication of Kennedy’s prospects, it is not definitive. In the event that the committee does not back his confirmation, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota could still advocate for a floor vote.
Regardless of the committee’s recommendation, Kennedy may still need to sway Senators Collins, Murkowski, and McConnell to secure their support. Senator Cassidy, who may vote in favor of Kennedy during the upcoming committee vote, could potentially go against him in the final confirmation process.
The term ‘MAHA’ refers to the partnership between Kennedy, a former Democrat who ran for president before aligning with Trump, and the current President. After withdrawing from the presidential race, Kennedy threw his support behind Trump in exchange for a prominent role in his Republican administration. Together, they have formed a unique coalition consisting of conservatives opposed to vaccines and liberals advocating for government promotion of healthier food choices. This movement has been dubbed as “Make America Healthy Again” by Trump and Kennedy.
