Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) took a major step forward Tuesday after the Senate Finance Committee approved his nomination on partisan lines in a 14-13 tally. The committee’s vote sets the stage for a final confirmation vote on the Senate floor, which could come as early as next week.
The committee’s approval wasn’t unanimous, with every Democrat opposing Kennedy’s nomination. But despite fierce opposition from the political establishment, the vote marks a significant victory for those who see him as a needed disruptor in Washington’s bureaucratic health machine.
Kennedy, the son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, has long been a controversial figure due to his outspoken views on vaccines and public health. His critics accuse him of spreading dangerous misinformation, particularly his stance against vaccine mandates and his vocal skepticism of pharmaceutical companies.
His most notable spat with a Democratic official occurred during his confirmation hearing, when Senator Elizabeth Warren, a fierce opponent of his nomination, screamed loudly about his opposition to pharmaceutical companies.
“Look, no one should be fooled here,” Warren ranted. “As Secretary of HHS, Robert Kennedy will have the power to undercut vaccines and vaccine manufacturing across our country. Kennedy can kill off access to vaccines and make millions of dollars while he does it. Kids might die, but Robert Kennedy can keep cashing in.”
However, his supporters argue that his independent stance makes him the perfect candidate to challenge the government’s cozy relationship with Big Pharma.
The Finance Committee’s decision to advance Kennedy’s nomination, underscores the growing influence of the anti-establishment movement. While the political elite may disagree, a significant portion of the American public is rallying behind Kennedy’s call for greater transparency and accountability in health policy.
In his testimony before the committee, Kennedy reiterated his commitment to reforming the HHS and pushing for a more open dialogue about vaccine safety, healthcare costs, and government overreach. On the campaign trail, he frequently targeted Big Pharma and pledged to go as far as banning pharmaceutical advertisements.
“One of the things I’m going to advise Donald Trump to do in order to correct the chronic disease epidemic is to ban pharmaceutical advertising on TV,” Kennedy said in a video on X in early November.
While his appointment will likely face further scrutiny on the Senate floor, Kennedy’s momentum is undeniable. Despite his controversial views, he has managed to secure enough support from key players in the ruling Republican Party to clear this major hurdle.
As the Senate gears up for the final vote, all eyes are on whether RFK Jr. can secure the backing needed to become the next Secretary of HHS. His victory would represent a massive win for the MAHA-MAGA alliance and a stark challenge to the status quo in Washington.
