Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee for the nation’s top health official, faces a crucial vote on Tuesday by the Senate Finance Committee. Kennedy’s nomination has been controversial due to his past statements questioning vaccines and his views on Medicare and Medicaid. The committee, which has 14 Republican senators and 13 Democrats, will decide whether to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate for a floor vote or reject it.
Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy is seen as the key vote that may determine Kennedy’s fate in the committee. Cassidy, a physician, has expressed concerns about Kennedy’s views on vaccines and the impact he may have on vaccine policy in the United States. Democrats on the committee are unified against Kennedy, citing his history of embracing conspiracy theories and promoting questionable ideas about vaccines.
During the hearings, Kennedy tried to distance himself from past remarks about vaccines, stating that he is not anti-vaccine but pro-safety. However, his history of controversial statements, including comparisons to Nazi death camps and concerns about antidepressants, has drawn scrutiny. Additionally, his involvement in vaccine litigation through the nonprofit Children’s Health Defense has raised questions about his true stance on vaccines.
If Kennedy survives the vote in the Senate Finance Committee, it is unclear whether he will have enough support in the full Senate, which is controlled by Republicans. Some Republican senators, including Mitch McConnell, have raised concerns about Kennedy’s views on vaccines. The confirmation vote will be streamed live on the committee’s website on Tuesday morning.
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