JUST IN: RFK Gets One Step Closer To Confirmation

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the chief advocate for the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, is on the verge of becoming the nation’s health secretary after the Senate voted 53-47 on Wednesday to advance his nomination. The vote, split strictly along party lines, sets the stage for a final confirmation vote expected early Thursday morning.

The procedural vote invoked cloture, cutting off debate and moving the confirmation process forward despite fierce opposition from Senate Democrats. Kennedy’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been one of the most contentious of President Trump’s second-term Cabinet picks, with critics pointing to his stance on vaccines and alternative health policies.

Senate Democrats, who have sought to delay the confirmation of some of Trump’s more controversial nominees, were unable to block the motion as Republicans remained unified in their support. The final confirmation vote is expected to take place Thursday, with Kennedy likely to secure the position barring any unexpected defections.

If confirmed, Kennedy will take charge of the nation’s top health agency at a critical time, overseeing public health policies, pandemic preparedness, and healthcare regulations. His appointment has drawn praise from conservatives who view his skepticism of pharmaceutical companies as a step toward healthcare reform.

On November 14, President Trump announced Kennedy’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. The Senate Finance Committee, which oversees nominations for the Department, held hearings to assess Kennedy’s qualifications for the position.

January 29, 2025 – Washington DC: Senate Finance Committee holds a hearing to examine the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Lawmakers from both parties pressed him on past remarks about vaccines and public health. In response, Kennedy sought to ease concerns, voicing support for vaccination during his testimony.

On Feb. 4, the Senate Finance Committee voted 14 to 13 along party lines to advance Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate. The narrow approval followed intense debate and negotiations, particularly among Republicans who had voiced concerns over Kennedy’s past positions.

On February 12, the Senate held a cloture vote to end debate on Kennedy’s nomination, resulting in a 53-47 decision to advance the nomination. This vote was largely along party lines, with key Republican senators providing the necessary support to move forward.

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) announced on Tuesday her support for Kennedy following a comprehensive review and interrogation of his nomination, both in public and private sessions. “He told me he believed in the efficacy of the polio vaccine and said he would help restore Americans’ confidence in vaccines and our health agencies,” she stated.

Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who had reservations about Kennedy for weeks, also had a shift in stance. “Based on Mr. Kennedy’s assurances about vaccines and his platform to positively influence Americans’ health, it is my consideration that he will get this done,” Cassidy said in a speech on the Senate floor last week. “I want Mr. Kennedy to succeed in making America healthy again.”

Kennedy’s nomination has elicited strong reactions from various sectors. A coalition of health and consumer advocacy groups, including Protect Our Care and Public Citizen, have actively campaigned against his confirmation.

With just one more hurdle remaining, Kennedy’s confirmation appears all but certain—marking a major win for Trump and signaling a shake-up in federal health policy under the new administration.