Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the individual tapped by then President-elect Donald Trump for the role of Health and Human Services secretary, temporarily finds his confirmation process halted as he awaits the scheduling of his official hearings. His financial disclosures, a requirement for all looming Cabinet appointees, are currently under review by the Office of Government Ethics. As a result, his confirmation hearings with the Senate’s finance and health committees have been delayed, making it improbable for Kennedy to face the Senate for confirmation before late January.
His path to confirmation as the head of health and human services is laden with obstacles originating from both ends of the political spectrum, with critics comprising leaders from the previous administration and voices from both conservative and liberal camps. The role he is poised to take heads an almost $2 trillion agency responsible for a myriad of pivotal health-related duties. These include the management and supervision of programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, as well as granting approval for various medical apparatus and vaccines. The agency is also entrusted with the critical mandate of guiding national responses to viral outbreaks, such as the COVID pandemic.
Taking a stance against Kennedy’s appointment, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) articulated myriad objections in a recent letter addressed to Kennedy. A volley of pressing issues formed the core of her dissent, ranging from Kennedy’s controversial stance on vaccines arising from the organization against vaccinations he founded, his avowal to limit abortion rights, to his proposed plan to terminate federal employees’ contracts.
Kennedy’s proposed appointment has been the target of an active campaign spearheaded by Democratic activists and public health leaders aiming to halt his appointment. Several health officials, who served during the Trump administration, have also expressed apprehension over Kennedy’s prospective confirmation.
In an opposing frame, various GOP senators and former officials from the Trump administration are rallying in support of Kennedy’s nomination. They project confidence in his imminent confirmation, arguing that Kennedy’s appointment will breathe new life into the examination of the health-care industry and explore the underlying causes of the generally unflattering state of American health.
Early triumphs for the Biden administration, such as the FDA’s pronouncement to outlaw a controversial red food dye linked to cancer development in animals, are viewed by Kennedy’s proponents as victories that validate his candidacy.
Public sentiments appear divided concerning Kennedy’s nomination. Data from a recent AP-NORC poll revealed that just under one-third of Americans champion Kennedy’s appointment, with about 42 percent expressing opposition, leaving the rest either undecided or indifferent towards the matter.
A marked split is also found along party lines with a pronounced variance in the degree of support for Kennedy’s appointment. While a majority of Republicans, equating to about 59 percent, are in favour of Kennedy assuming the role, only a mere 10 percent fraction of Democrats echo this sentiment.
In an effort to demonstrate his suitability for the role, Kennedy has engaged in discussions with a multitude of senators. He fervently champions a shift in focus towards addressing underlying causes of chronic maladies as a centerpiece of his ‘Make America Healthy Again’ initiative.
Backed by the Heritage Foundation, a significant conservative advocacy group, Kennedy’s image as a reformer has been further solidified. The organization took to the media spotlight earlier in the week, releasing an advert endorsing Kennedy’s commitment to grappling with vested interests in order to enhance American healthcare.
Kennedy’s nomination has taken on a personal dimension, with debates extending beyond professional concerns. Certain controversial nominees have elicited doubts, even from his conservative counterparts.
Senate Democrats are expressing severe reservations about Kennedy’s campaign, fully aware that their collective votes could prove consequential in overturning his nomination. It is a symbolic demonstration, indicative of the larger political divide, showcasing the extent to which Kennedy’s nomination for health secretary has become controversial.