The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., proposed for the position of Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has inched closer to a definitive conclusion. In a tight race, the Senate Finance Committee gave their approval voting 14 to 13 to progress the nomination to the next stage. It is speculated that the full Senate might convene for this vote in the following days or within next week.
So far, the Trump administration’s proposed Cabinet members have sailed through the confirmation process. However, Robert Kennedy’s nomination has been stirring waves given its contentious nature. Being part of a prominent political family from Massachusetts and son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, former Attorney General, Kennedy has been scrutinized for his rather controversial perspectives.
This nomination, following a tension-filled vote from the Senate Finance Committee, will head to the larger and more decisive arena: the full Senate. The exact time frame for this critical voting process is yet undetermined, but it could occur in the latter part of this week or some time next week.
Kennedy’s position hinges on the Senate Democrats’ collective decision; if they vote uniformly, Kennedy could afford to lose no more than three votes from the Republican senators to get confirmed successfully.
With the past approval of the President’s Cabinet nominees, there could be an expectation for Kennedy’s confirmation. Nevertheless, his proposition as the HHS Secretary is deemed as a marked departure mainly due to his previous stances on subjects like vaccines.