Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on his way to bring America healthy again.
The US Senate confirmed Thursday morning that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will lead the Department of Health and Human Services with a 52-48 vote.
Kennedy's confirmation is a fork in the federal government's role in American health, and may be the most important development since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010.
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is the face of a weakness for Senate Republicans towards Trump, the only Republican vote against his nomination, joining 47 Democrats. He also opposed Trump's now satisfied choice to guide directors of national intelligence Pete Hegses and Tarsi Gabbard, respectively.
“Mr. Kennedy has failed to prove he is the best person leading America's largest health agency,” McConnell said he will give a typical long statement. “We sincerely hope that once he takes office, Kennedy will choose to restore confidence in public health agencies without further doubt or division.
Senate Majority Leader John Tune (R-SD) has led the way through Trump's candidates with Kennedy Trump XVI confirming the candidates and in a historic clip.
By February 13, 2017, in Trump's first administration, GOP Senators, with McConnell as the majority leader, confirmed that the 16th candidate would not come until March 1.
And by that day in 2021, the Senate had confirmed seven of President Joe Biden's candidates, not reaching 16 until March 10th.
The Senate is likely to confirm Brook Rollins as a farmer later Saturday.
Kennedy's skepticism about the scientific consensus on vaccines led to his initial skepticism about the feasibility of his appointment. However, during a private meeting with the senator and his confirmation hearing, Kennedy eased those concerns.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Ak), a moderate who often reversed Trump, has expressed concern over Kennedy's vaccine skepticism but has supported his appointment.
“There is no controversy that the US spends more per capita on healthcare than any other country, but our health outcomes do not reflect this investment,” she said. I said In a statement. “Instead of focusing on who covers our outrageous healthcare costs, we need to reduce these costs by focusing on prevention and keeping people healthy.”
Murkowski cited Kennedy's commitment to reducing healthcare costs and pursuing prevention as part of his appeal, as well as groundwell of support from Alaskans who contacted her office in support of the appointment .
“Chronic conditions are a significant source of illness and a major driving force for public debt. He is aware of this and is committed to dealing with it,” she said.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a doctor and Trump critic, was probably a key vote to secure Kennedy's nomination.
As chairman of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pension (Help) committee and the committee tasked with reporting Kennedy's appointment to the entire Senate, Cassidy's opposition is almost certainly to the floor. It would have prevented me from doing so. Cassidy and Kennedy held multiple private conversations, with Vice President JD Vance working as a key intermediary and advocate for Kennedy.
Cassidy ultimately supported Kennedy on the committee with a strict party-based vote that introduced him to the Senate in one vote. Cassidy then supported Kennedy on the Senate floor.
“I vote for yes because I have the opportunity to advance on the serious commitment I have received from the administration and on issues I agree with, like healthy food and the pro-American agenda.” I said In a statement before his vote.
Bradley Jaye is the Associate Politics Editor for Breitbart News. Follow him X/Twitter and Instagram @Bradleyajaye.
