Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now has one foot in the door at the top federal health department, with Republicans rallying around President Donald Trump’s controversial nominee.
Kennedy is almost certain to be confirmed as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services despite healthy skepticism from both sides of the aisle over his embrace of conspiracy theories, including his claims that life-saving childhood vaccinations are dangerous.
The Senate voted 53-47 to limit debate and move forward with a final confirmation vote. Wednesday’s procedural vote was the final hurdle for RFK Jr. before the Senate officially green lights his nomination and he takes the helm of HHS.
Despite facing fiery confirmation hearings, where he was grilled over his anti-vax record and lack of expertise with federal medical programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. But he managed to assuage the concerns of enough of his critics to move forward.
They included Sen. Mitch McConnell, the former Republican leader who is a polio survivor. The Kentuckian voted in favor of moving forward with a final confirmation vote, which is likely to occur on Thursday. However, McConnell didn’t say whether he’ll support Kennedy in the end. McConnell was the lone Republican to vote against Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence earlier on Wednesday.
Kennedy has been one of President Trump’s most controversial Cabinet nominees. Democrats have raised concerns over past allegations of sexual misconduct, comments on 9/11 conspiracies, accusations of animal abuse and his shifting position on vaccines.
Trump allies ramped up pressure on GOP lawmakers who were on the fence, with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA)—a former physician who voiced strong reservations over Kennedy’s work spreading disinformation about vaccinations—receiving assurances he would get to play a leading role in vetting appointees and staff at HHS.
Proponents of the environmental lawyer, who is a former Democrat and one-time presidential candidate, have argued Kennedy will shake up the status quo and push for a healthier American diet.
The final vote is expected to take place on Thursday.
