The 52-48 vote brought to an end a bitter debate over Kennedy’s nomination after his historic vaccine dissent and other public health endeavors.
A controversial nominee
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 71, is an environmental lawyer and son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. He’s an outspoken environmentalist but has been scolded for statements he’s made about vaccines and public health. Kennedy had credited vaccines in the past with causing autism, a claim rejected outright by the scientific community universally. He’s made some inflammatory comments about antidepressants and school shooters and Wi-Fi as a cause of cancer too.
Senate vote breakdown
The vote of confirmation was largely party-line, with all the Democrats and some Republicans voting against the Kennedy nomination. Most prominently, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who had himself survived polio, cast a negative vote for Kennedy. McConnell criticized the record of vaccine disinformation compiled by Kennedy and stated, “I will not condone the re-litigation of proven cures, and neither will millions of Americans who credit their survival and quality of life to scientific miracles.”
Support and opposition
Though controversial, Kennedy was backed by prominent Republicans like Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. President Donald Trump, during the swearing-in ceremony, appreciated Kennedy as a person committed to finding cures for incurable diseases and further added that Kennedy would be heading the new “Make America Healthy Again” Commission.
His nomination was opposed by political leaders too. His cousin, Caroline Kennedy, also rose in protest and referred to him as a “predator” and declared he was not qualified for the work. This occurred after five siblings of Kennedy wrote another public apology for avoiding his deal to turn into one among Trump’s loyalists.
Kennedy’s vows
Kennedy attempted to provide assurances about his stance on vaccines in his confirmation hearings. He assured that he was not “anti-vaccine” or “pro-bill” but merely “pro-safety” and promised to base vaccine recommendations on science. He also promised to refocus federal health agencies on disease prevention and away from the influence of the drug industry.
Looking ahead
As the incoming HHS secretary, Kennedy will be responsible for critical agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His department will develop the nation’s health policy, most importantly relating to vaccine distribution, public health programs, and food and drug control.
Kennedy’s endorsement is a step toward the country’s leading health agency official. His four-year tenure will be closely monitored by his supporters and opponents as he navigates steering the country’s health and human services.
