The nomination of President Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who heads the Health and Human Services Department, was boosted after Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins said he would vote to confirm him.
Collins is considered an important swing vote that Democrats wanted to persuade Trump's pick. She was also against Pete Hegses, who was confirmed to lead the Department of Defense despite her opposition.
“He has pledged to reconsider this initiative, which was implemented prior to his confirmation, as soon as he is confirmed.”
She said CNN's Manu Raju She'll support Kennedy on Monday after reassuring her that she'll see the White House cut at the National Institutes of Health.
“He appears to understand the concerns that it raises what it means for more important, ongoing biomedical research, including clinical trials,” she was quoted as saying. Ta.
Earlier in the day, Collins said her Opposition A “arbitrary” reduction in NIH budgets that will be “devastating” for important research initiatives.
“This morning I called Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a candidate who will lead the Department of Health and Human Services, to help me with my strong opposition to these arbitrary volitional reductions for important research at Maine institutions. “He has pledged to reconsider this initiative, which was implemented prior to confirmation, as soon as it is confirmed,” she said.
Critics Opposition Kennedy's appointment points to his past comments opposed to vaccines and trying to link them to an increase in autism diagnosis. His advocates say he will help dismantle the excessive influence of medicine and food processing companies on politicians.
Democrats also wanted Collins to oppose Tarshi Gabbard's appointment for the Director of National Intelligence, but she said she ultimately agreed that Gabbard needed to reduce the size of her office.
Kennedy only needs the majority vote in the Senate to be confirmed. There will be a slim majority of Republicans, and the tie will be decided by Vice President J.D. Vance.
Like Blaze News? Bypass censorship, sign up for our newsletter and get stories like these directly into your inbox. Sign up here!
