RFK Jr. gains crucial backing from a prominent Republican senator, positioning him for the role of US health secretary.

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism towards vaccines and his role as an activist, is poised to become the next Secretary of Health and Human Services after receiving significant backing from Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a medical professional who has assured that Kennedy will maintain the country’s childhood vaccination program intact.

In a notably partisan decision, the Republican-majority Senate Finance Committee voted to advance Kennedy’s nomination with a narrow margin of 14-13, moving the matter to the full Senate for a vote regarding his leadership of the expansive $1.7 trillion Health and Human Services agency.

All Democrats on the committee voiced their opposition to Kennedy, a name historically connected with their party, particularly following his alignment with former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. They raised concerns regarding Kennedy’s influence on vaccine safety perceptions and the potential for personal financial gain through litigation against pharmaceutical companies.

Although a complete Senate vote has yet to be scheduled, Kennedy’s nomination appears likely to progress, especially with Cassidy’s support firmly established, barring any unexpected shifts in votes. Kennedy has emerged as one of the more divisive picks within Trump’s Cabinet, highlighting the steadfast support Republicans have shown toward the former president.

Senator Cassidy has openly shared his internal conflict as a medical professional witnessing the life-saving capabilities of vaccines in relation to Kennedy’s candidacy. “Your past record of undermining trust in vaccines with dubious rhetoric causes concern,” Cassidy remarked during a recent talk with Kennedy.

However, during the decisive vote, Cassidy simply affirmed his support with an “aye.” He later detailed extensive discussions with Kennedy and Vice President JD Vance that began over the weekend and stretched until the voting day. These discussions resulted in “serious commitments” made by the administration, although Cassidy insisted that his upcoming reelection had no influence over his decision.

In his subsequent speech on the Senate floor, Cassidy noted that Kennedy has assured him that he will adhere to the vaccine recommendations provided by the federal advisory committee and will not erase statements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that confirm vaccines do not cause autism. Furthermore, Kennedy is expected to consult with Cassidy on new appointments within the agency and is inclined to report quarterly to the Senate’s health committee, which Cassidy chairs. A 30-day notice will be required should Kennedy wish to alter federal vaccine safety monitoring protocols.

Cassidy asserted, “He will be the secretary. However, I also trust he will work collaboratively towards this goal.”

It was reported that Kennedy has mobilized a strong support network, inundating Cassidy’s office with numerous communications urging his confirmation. Pediatricians also expressed their alarm, emphasizing the risk of disease outbreaks and fatalities among children if Kennedy, who has a history of questioning vaccination efficacy, assumes the role of health secretary.

In addition, Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina, one of the crucial votes Kennedy is targeting, stated that he felt reassured by Kennedy’s commitment to allow scientists at key public health institutions, such as the CDC and the National Institutes of Health, to operate freely.

“I will have an issue if Bobby Kennedy takes a stance against the safety of established vaccines,” emphasized Tillis.

Other Republican Senators, including Susan Collins from Maine, Lisa Murkowski from Alaska, and Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, could potentially oppose Kennedy due to their previous votes against Trump’s defense secretary nominee and their expressed worries connected to Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance. Nonetheless, Kennedy still has pathways to secure his role even if he loses support from these senators.

Democrats continue to voice concerns over Kennedy’s capacity to gain financially from any alterations to vaccine guidelines or the reduction of legal protections for vaccine manufacturers.

In correspondence sent over the weekend, Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden warned Kennedy of the possible implications his decisions as secretary could have on his family’s financial interests, particularly in vaccine-related matters.

Kennedy argued that he intends to allocate all referral fees generated from legal cases against vaccine manufacturers, including fees acquired through litigation involving Merck, to his son. He revealed during committee hearings that he has funneled hundreds of clients to a law firm pursuing a lawsuit against Merck’s Gardasil vaccine, which has earned him $2.5 million over the last three years.

If confirmed, Kennedy’s responsibilities would encompass food and hospital inspections, managing healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, and spearheading research on deadly illnesses.