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From CBS News: The Senate Finance Committee advanced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination Tuesday, moving forward with his confirmation to lead the Department of Health and Human Services after a pair of fiery hearings last week that left his approval on shaky ground.
The committee voted 14 to 13 to advance Kennedy in a party-line vote.
Though the bulk of Republicans on the committee were expected to support advancing Kennedy’s nomination, Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and medical doctor, expressed concern over the president’s pick for HHS secretary during RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearings.
Cassidy said last week that he had been “struggling” with Kennedy’s nomination because he fears RFK Jr., who has raised doubts about vaccines in the past, could undermine faith in vaccines. Cassidy spoke to Kennedy on Sunday, according to a person familiar with their conversation, though the Louisiana senator did not disclose how he planned to vote following their conversation.
Tuesday morning, Cassidy released a statement saying he would vote yes to advance Kennedy to the Senate floor.
“I’ve had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and even this morning. I want to thank VP JD specifically for his honest counsel. With the serious commitments I’ve received from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on the issues we agree on like healthy foods and a pro-American agenda, I will vote yes,” he wrote.
I’ve had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and even this morning. I want to thank VP JD specifically for his honest counsel. With the serious commitments I’ve received from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on the…
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) February 4, 2025
President Trump responded in a short post on Truth Social: “20 years ago, Autism in children was 1 in 10,000. NOW IT’S 1 in 34. WOW! Something’s really wrong. We need BOBBY!!! Thank You! DJT.”
Kennedy’s nomination will now be considered by the entire Senate, and a vote could be held within days.
Three Republican senators, Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine), are all seen as swing votes that could go either way.
If all three oppose Kennedy and he still has the vote of all other Republicans, Vice President JD Vance would need to cast a tie-breaking vote to get Kennedy confirmed.
🚨 Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health & Human Services has been voted out of the Senate Finance Committee and his confirmation is heading to the Senate floor. pic.twitter.com/KT1WDq2h3H
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 4, 2025
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) wrote, “Look forward to supporting @RobertKennedyJr’s confirmation and working with him to Make America Healthy Again. 🇺🇸 #MAHA.”
Thank you, Senator Tillis https://t.co/g24GG5yFLI
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) February 4, 2025
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