Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday was confirmed as the secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) following a contentious 52-48 Senate vote that saw unanimous Democratic opposition and a rare Republican dissent from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Why It Matters
Kennedy’s confirmation comes amid deep concerns regarding his views on vaccines and public health. His past statements questioning vaccine efficacy and linking them to autism have drawn criticism from medical professionals and lawmakers.
As head of HHS, Kennedy will oversee agencies responsible for Medicare, Medicaid, vaccine policy, medical research and public health initiatives.
Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA/Ap Photos
What To Know
The Senate vote fell largely along party lines, with all Democrats and independents voting against Kennedy. McConnell was the only Republican to break ranks, citing personal reasons linked to his own experience overcoming polio.
“Mr. Kennedy failed to prove he is the best possible person to lead America’s largest health agency,” McConnell said in a statement, as reported by ABC News. “As he takes office, I sincerely hope Mr. Kennedy will choose not to sow further doubt and division but to restore trust in our public health institutions.”
Kennedy, an environmental lawyer with no formal medical or health administration experience, faced significant scrutiny during his confirmation hearings. While he assured lawmakers he was not “anti-vaccine,” he refused to fully renounce past claims linking vaccines to autism, a theory widely debunked by scientific studies.
His nomination was ultimately pushed through with support from key Republican senators, some of whom secured commitments from him regarding future vaccine policy oversight.
Who Voted Against RFK Jr.’s Nomination?
All 45 Democratic senators, two independents who caucus with the Democrats and one Republican (McConnell) voted against Kennedy’s confirmation.
Republicans:
- Mitch McConnell, Kentucky
Democrats:
- Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland
- Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin
- Michael Bennet, Colorado
- Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut
- Lisa Blunt Rochester, Delaware
- Cory Booker, New Jersey
- Maria Cantwell, Washington
- Christopher Coons, Delaware
- Catherine Cortez Masto, Nevada
- Tammy Duckworth, Illinois
- Richard Durbin, Illinois
- John Fetterman, Pennsylvania
- Ruben Gallego, Arizona
- Kirsten Gillibrand, New York
- Margaret Hassan, New Hampshire
- Martin Heinrich, New Mexico
- John Hickenlooper, Colorado
- Mazie Hirono, Hawaii
- Timothy Kaine, Virginia
- Mark Kelly, Arizona
- Andy Kim, New Jersey
- Angus King, Maine
- Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota
- Ben Ray Luján, New Mexico
- Edward Markey, Massachusetts
- Jeff Merkley, Oregon
- Christopher Murphy, Connecticut
- Patty Murray, Washington
- Jon Ossoff, Georgia
- Alejandro Padilla, California
- Gary Peters, Michigan
- John Reed, Rhode Island
- Jacky Rosen, Nevada
- Bernie Sanders, Vermont
- Brian Schatz, Hawaii
- Adam Schiff, California
- Chuck Schumer, New York
- Jeanne Shaheen, New Hampshire
- Elissa Slotkin, Michigan
- Tina Smith, Minnesota
- Chris Van Hollen, Maryland
- Mark Warner, Virginia
- Raphael Warnock, Georgia
- Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts
- Peter Welch, Vermont
- Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island
- Ron Wyden, Oregon
What People Are Saying
Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California posted on X (formerly Twitter) ahead of the confirmation: “RFK Jr. will not make America healthy again. But his ignorance may make people sick again. Deprive them of the treatment they need again. Cause hospitals to close again. We have to vote like our lives depend on it. Because for many Americans – it will.”
Democratic Senator Michael Bennett of Colorado posted on X: “For the sake of our children, doctors, researchers, and the health of every American, I voted no today on the confirmation of RFK Jr. to HHS Secretary.”
Republican Senator Katie Britt of Alabama posted on X following the confirmation: “Huge day for our nation – just confirmed@RobertKennedyJr as HHS Secretary. Together with@POTUS, we’ll Make America Healthy Again by ensuring objective science, empowering families, and tackling our nation’s health crisis head-on.”
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia posted on X following the confirmation: “Congratulations to the new Secretary of Health and Human Services, @RobertKennedyJr! Let’s Make America Healthy Again!!”
What Happens Next
Kennedy is expected to be sworn in at the White House, and President Donald Trump has announced plans to sign an executive order establishing a “Make America Healthy Again” commission. The commission’s role remains unclear, but it could signal policy shifts in public health and medical research.
