- Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) announced support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as HHS Secretary, boosting his confirmation chances.
- Kennedy’s nomination previously advanced in a narrow 14-13 Senate Finance Committee vote.
- Collins backed Kennedy after he addressed her concerns about proposed NIH budget cuts, pledging to re-examine reductions.
- Kennedy’s nomination has faced criticism over his vaccine safety stance and financial ties, but key Republicans now support him.
- If confirmed, Kennedy aims to reform public health, focusing on chronic diseases, food safety, and vaccine safety transparency.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has announced her support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary.
Collins, a key swing vote in the Senate, told CNN on Monday that she plans to vote “yes” on Kennedy’s confirmation, providing a significant boost to his chances of leading the $1.7 trillion federal agency.
The Senate Finance Committee advanced Kennedy’s nomination last week in a narrow 14-13 vote, setting the stage for a full Senate vote expected this week. Collins’ endorsement is critical, as Kennedy can afford to lose only three Republican votes if all Democrats oppose him. With Collins now on board, only two Republicans — Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — remain uncommitted.
Collins, who has previously opposed some of Trump’s cabinet nominees, said her decision came after Kennedy addressed her concerns about proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget. “He seemed to understand the concerns that I was raising about what it would mean for very important ongoing biomedical research, including clinical trials,” Collins told CNN. She emphasized that Kennedy assured her he would “re-examine” the White House’s proposed NIH reductions, which she had earlier described as “devastating.”
Kennedy’s nomination has been one of the most contentious of Trump’s presidency, drawing criticism from Democrats and some Republicans over his history of questioning vaccine safety and his financial ties to lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies. However, his confirmation prospects have improved as key Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, have thrown their support behind him.
Cassidy, a physician and chair of the Senate health committee, said he voted for Kennedy after receiving assurances that the nominee would not undermine the nation’s childhood vaccination program.
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) clarified Kennedy's stance, noting: “He told me he is not anti-vaccine. He is pro-vaccine safety, which strikes me as a rational position to take.”
Kennedy has also pledged to divest his financial interests in lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers, redirecting proceeds to his son. This move aims to address concerns about potential conflicts of interest, though Democrats remain wary.
A path to “Make America Healthy Again”
Kennedy’s confirmation would mark a turning point in addressing the nation’s health challenges. A longtime environmental lawyer and activist, Kennedy has vowed to tackle chronic diseases, reform food safety regulations, and ensure transparency in public health decisions. His focus on vaccine safety and individual choice aligns with Trump’s broader agenda to “Make America Healthy Again.”
However, Kennedy’s confirmation has been an uphill battle, with lawmakers who receive donations from pharmaceutical companies expressing skepticism about his stance on vaccines. Despite this, his growing support among Republicans suggests a willingness to prioritize public health reform over industry interests.
With Sen. Susan Collins’ backing, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is now on track to become the next HHS Secretary. His confirmation would signal a significant shift in the nation’s approach to public health, emphasizing safety, transparency, and individual choice. As the Senate prepares for a final vote, Kennedy’s supporters are optimistic that his leadership will help address the root causes of America’s health crisis and restore trust in federal health agencies.
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