Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s bid to lead the Department of Health and Human Services cleared a crucial hurdle on Tuesday, as the Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines to advance his nomination, 14-13.
Kennedy, part of the famous political family, overcame concerns from Republican Senator and doctor Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), who questioned his past anti-vaccine statements.
Cassidy, who also chairs the Senate Health Committee, said he was “struggling” with the decision.
In a statement posted to Twitter/X, Cassidy said he had “very intense conversations” with Kennedy and the White House.
Cassidy thanked Vice President JD Vance “for his honest counsel,” adding that commitments from the administration influenced his final vote in favour.
Kennedy, who once ran for president before endorsing Donald Trump, has promoted a “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, chastising food manufacturers and unhealthy dietary ingredients.
Though some senators support his food-safety ideas, two days of confirmation hearings revealed deeper reservations.
Kennedy stumbled on Medicaid questions, a key responsibility for a health secretary.
Democrats raised alarm over potential conflicts, noting pending litigation against a vaccine maker that Kennedy could regulate.
However, the fiercest criticism targeted his claims that vaccines cause autism.
“I can say that I’ve approached it using the preponderance of evidence … you’ve approached using selected evidence to cast doubt,” said Cassidy during a hearing.
Cassidy, who faces re-election in 2026, has been under political fire since voting to convict Trump in the 2021 impeachment trial.
Despite these issues, Tuesday’s committee vote sends Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate vote to be confirmed.
A date for the final vote has not been announced.
The White House says Kennedy’s confirmation would help address urgent health priorities, including pandemic preparedness, mental health services, and nutrition.