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The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services on Thursday (February 13) with a narrow vote of 52 to 48. Despite his controversial views on vaccines, Kennedy secured the position with support from most Republicans, while all Democrats and Republican Senator Mitch McConnell opposed his nomination. McConnell, a polio survivor, expressed concerns about Kennedy's history of promoting vaccine conspiracy theories and his ability to lead the nation's largest health agency.
Kennedy, an environmental lawyer with no prior experience in health administration, will now oversee a $1.7 trillion agency responsible for pandemic preparedness, government-funded healthcare, and vaccine development. His confirmation followed months of debate over his past comments on vaccines and abortion rights.
During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy attempted to reassure senators by expressing support for polio and measles immunizations, though he did not fully renounce his previous claims linking vaccines to autism. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, voted for Kennedy after receiving commitments that Kennedy would maintain current vaccine policies and provide advance notice of any changes.
Kennedy's appointment marked another victory for President Donald Trump, who endorsed him after Kennedy dropped his independent presidential bid. As Kennedy takes office, he faces the challenge of restoring trust in public health institutions while managing key programs like Medicare and Medicaid.