WASHINGTON ― The Senate Finance Committee voted Tuesday to advance the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the total Senate, shifting him one step nearer to being confirmed as President Donald Trump’s well being and human providers secretary.
The ultimate tally was 14-13. Each Democrat on the committee voted towards advancing Kennedy’s nomination, whereas each Republican voted in favor of it.
Sen. Invoice Cassidy (R-La.), who’s a doctor, had beforehand raised questions on Kennedy’s document, and was seen as a potential “no” vote on his nomination. However in the long run, he joined his get together and voted to advance Kennedy.
“I’ve had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White Home over the weekend and even this morning,” Cassidy stated on social media simply minutes earlier than casting his committee vote. “With the intense commitments I’ve obtained from the administration and the chance to make progress on the problems we agree on like wholesome meals and a pro-American agenda, I’ll vote sure.”
Kennedy has drawn fierce opposition from Democrats and outdoors teams attributable to his lengthy document of fueling conspiracies and anti-vaccine misinformation, in addition to his plans for abortion remedy. Throughout his Senate affirmation hearings final week, Kennedy botched fundamental info about Medicare and Medicaid ― two packages he’d oversee as HHS secretary.
Throughout Tuesday’s listening to, Democrats on the finance committee piled on with warnings about Kennedy earlier than and after the panel took its vote.
Kennedy is “singularly unfit to function HHS secretary,” stated Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the highest Democrat on the committee.
Wyden stated he counted up that Kennedy has made 114 separate appearances within the final 4 years the place he espoused anti-vaccine views or unfold misinformation that falsely linked vaccines to autism.
Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) famous he was alarmed when he heard that Trump stated he hoped Kennedy would “go wild” in his position as well being and human providers secretary.
“Of all of the issues I’d wish to see the well being and human providers secretary do, ‘go wild’ isn’t on the record,” Warnock stated.
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) raised questions on Kennedy’s character and stated he worries that HHS staff wouldn’t have faith in him as a pacesetter, one thing that’s essential to ensure that the division to perform.
“Frankly, among the issues he did he by no means defined,” stated Welch, citing previous situations of Kennedy making questionable selections. “A chainsaw taking off the pinnacle of a whale. Dumping a bear in Central Park for his personal amusement. These are simply bizarre issues.”
Go Advert-Free — And Defend The Free Press
Already contributed? Log in to cover these messages.
Kennedy’s nomination now heads to the Senate ground.