01/29/2025

RFK, Jr. Faced Tough Day at Senate Confirmation Hearing for Health Secretary

To be confirmed, he can only lose the support of three Republican senators

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President Donald Trump’s controversial selection to run the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ended his first of two expected days of confirmation hearings before Senate committees on Wednesday.

Kennedy faced questions about his position on vaccines, abortion and other major healthcare issues. He has been critical of vaccines for years and founded Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine group. In public statements, Kennedy has repeatedly said he is not anti-vaccine.

Meanwhile, former vice president Mike Pence and his conservative advocacy group have raised concerns about Kennedy’s past support for abortion. Kennedy, who has vowed to make combating chronic diseases a focal point if confirmed, appears to have a narrow path to securing the HHS post. If all Senate Democrats vote against his nomination, Kennedy can afford to lose only three Republicans. His own cousin, former U.S. Ambassador to Australia and Japan Caroline Kennedy, has also spoken out against his possible appointment.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.