Senate Approves RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
9:09 AM – Thursday, February 13, 2025
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially been confirmed by the Senate as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services.
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The Senate cast a vote of 52-48 on Thursday, placing the 71-year-old Kennedy in charge of the nation’s health administration, overseeing an estimated budget of $1.7 trillion.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was the sole Republican to oppose Kennedy, joining all Democrats in the dissent.
Kennedy, recognized for his skepticism regarding vaccines, gained crucial backing from Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), which played a pivotal role in securing his position in President Donald Trump’s cabinet.
“I remain concerned about Mr. Kennedy’s stance on vaccines and his selective interpretation of research, which initially led to my hesitation regarding his nomination,” stated Murkowski on Wednesday.
“Vaccines have been instrumental in saving countless lives, and I sought reassurance that, as HHS Secretary, he would not hinder vaccine access or discourage vaccination efforts.”
“He has made several commitments to me and other colleagues, assuring us of his dedication to collaborating with Congress to ensure transparency and basing vaccine policies on data-driven, evidence-based, and scientifically sound research,” she continued.
“These assurances hold significant importance for me and ultimately influenced my vote.”
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), another Republican who harbored doubts, voiced his support after Kennedy committed to regular meetings and acknowledged the critical nature of vaccines.
Kennedy has been vocal in his criticism regarding the safety and efficacy of vaccines for diseases such as polio, measles, and hepatitis B. He has authored multiple books on the topic and established the nonprofit organization Children’s Health Defense, which has previously litigated against pharmaceutical and governmental entities concerning vaccines.
His vaccine opposition has drawn considerable criticism from members of his former Democratic party during his confirmation hearings in both the Senate HELP and Finance Committees.
Additionally, he nearly jeopardized his chances of receiving Republican support despite insisting he is “pro-vaccine.”
Despite the tumultuous confirmation process, the former Democrat managed to earn significant Republican backing for his appointment as health secretary, including from Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), whose committee evaluated Kennedy.
“Mr. Kennedy’s extensive experience paired with his passion for consumer advocacy will establish a patient-centered vision for the department,” Crapo articulated in a speech on the Senate floor, emphasizing “his dedication to tackling America’s chronic disease crisis.”
During his initial confirmation hearing, Kennedy highlighted alarming statistics related to chronic diseases and the rising obesity rates within the U.S.
“When my uncle was president, only 3% of Americans were classified as obese. Today, an alarming 74% of Americans are either obese or overweight,” RFK Jr. remarked to Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) during the hearing. “Epidemics aren’t determined by genetics. There is something toxic impacting the American population, and a significant part of that is our evolving food supply.”
“In both public and private arenas, Mr. Kennedy exhibits a commitment to rethinking our healthcare approach and rebuilding trust in our institutions,” Crapo affirmed on the Senate floor, assuring that the nominee “will save lives, lower costs, and lay the groundwork for a healthier, stronger nation.”
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