In a 14-13 vote along party lines, the Senate Finance Committee advanced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to be health and human services secretary to the full chamber. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was originally a potential swing vote on the panel, expressed reservations about Kennedy’s qualifications. However, after intense conversations with Kennedy and the White House, Cassidy announced he would support the nomination. One major concern was Kennedy’s repeated denials of the efficacy of vaccines, despite overwhelming scientific evidence. Kennedy, a scion of the Democratic family, has a history of running for president and endorsing Trump. Critics also raised conflicts of interest concerns due to Kennedy’s ties to a vaccine maker he would regulate as HHS secretary. Autism advocates are alarmed, fearing Kennedy’s promotion of false theories linking vaccines to autism could impede progress in understanding the complex condition. Kennedy’s confirmation has been the focus of pressure campaigns, both for and against, intensifying in recent weeks. Critics argue that Kennedy’s appointment would hinder efforts to advance public health and medical science. As the nomination heads to the full Senate for a vote, the controversy surrounding Kennedy’s views on vaccines continues to be a significant point of contention.
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Senate committee pushes forward RFK Jr.’s appointment as health secretary
