Kennedy Struggles to Secure Key Vote for Health Secretary Role/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, faced tough questioning in his final Senate confirmation hearing, particularly from Sen. Bill Cassidy, a key Republican vote. Kennedy refused to unequivocally reject the debunked theory linking vaccines to autism, sparking concerns from both Republicans and Democrats. Sen. Bernie Sanders also challenged Kennedy, pressing him on health care policy, but Kennedy did not provide a clear stance. With his confirmation vote on a knife’s edge, Kennedy’s ability to secure support remains uncertain.
RFK Jr. Struggles to Gain Senate Support: Quick Looks
- Vaccine Views in Focus: Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a physician, pressed Kennedy to reject vaccine-autism links, but Kennedy avoided a direct answer.
- Bipartisan Concerns: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) also questioned Kennedy on health care as a human right, but Kennedy did not take a definitive stance.
- Public Health Policy at Stake: Kennedy’s nomination would put him in charge of Medicare, Medicaid, vaccine approvals, and food and hospital safety inspections.
- Final Confirmation Vote Uncertain: Cassidy’s vote is seen as crucial to Kennedy’s confirmation, and his concerns remain unresolved.
Kennedy Struggles to Secure Key Vote for Health Secretary Role
RFK Jr. Faces Tough Senate Hearing as Confirmation Vote Nears
Vaccine Stance Creates Roadblock
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime skeptic of childhood vaccines, faced intense scrutiny during his final confirmation hearing to become Secretary of Health and Human Services.
- Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who chairs the Senate Health Committee, challenged Kennedy on his past vaccine claims.
- Cassidy demanded that Kennedy reject the discredited theory that vaccines cause autism.
- Kennedy did not provide a clear answer, stating:“If the data is there, I will absolutely do that.”
Bipartisan Pressure on Kennedy’s Health Policy Views
- Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) followed Cassidy’s line of questioning, pressing Kennedy on health care as a human right.
- Kennedy avoided committing to a stance, despite his family’s historical advocacy for universal health care.
What’s at Stake?
If confirmed, Kennedy would lead the $1.7 trillion Health and Human Services Department, overseeing:
- Medicare and Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans.
- Vaccine approvals and recommendations for deadly diseases.
- Food and hospital safety inspections.
Key Confirmation Vote Still in Question
- Cassidy’s vote remains crucial, and his concerns about Kennedy’s vaccine stance could determine the outcome.
- Senators remain divided, making Kennedy’s path to confirmation uncertain.
Final Thoughts: Will Kennedy Secure Enough Support?
With bipartisan skepticism growing, Kennedy’s ability to win over key votes remains in doubt. His reluctance to clearly answer vaccine safety and health policy questions may jeopardize his confirmation as Trump’s top health official.
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