In a narrow 14-13 vote, the Senate Finance Committee has advanced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services to the full Senate. The nomination, put forth by President Donald Trump, now moves forward amid intense political maneuvering and high-stakes negotiations behind the scenes.
The vote saw all 14 Republicans voting in favor of Kennedy’s nomination while all 13 Democrats opposed it. The final tally reflected some last-minute uncertainty, particularly from Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who had not indicated his stance before the vote.
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Cassidy ultimately sided with his Republican colleagues, citing assurances from the White House and serious commitments from Kennedy himself on key policy priorities, including healthy food initiatives and a pro-American agenda.
“With the serious commitments I’ve received from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on the issues we agree on, I will vote yes,” Cassidy said in a statement just before the vote.
With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, Kennedy’s confirmation seems likely but not guaranteed. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) are reportedly wavering, and Senate insiders suggest that White House officials have been in direct negotiations with them in recent days.
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Vice President J.D. Vance has been actively involved in shoring up support, with sources indicating that his direct counsel to Senate Republicans played a key role in securing Cassidy’s vote.
Democrats on the committee, including Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), voted in lockstep against Kennedy’s nomination, citing concerns over his past controversial statements on vaccines and public health policy.
A full Senate vote on Kennedy’s confirmation is expected within the next two weeks. The White House is confident in Kennedy’s chances, but internal GOP negotiations are ongoing to secure the final votes needed.
Should Kennedy be confirmed, he would take the helm of HHS, overseeing critical healthcare initiatives, vaccine policy, and public health programs.
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