Senate Finance Committee Advances Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Nomination for Health Secretary

February 4, 2025 – The Senate Finance Committee advanced the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in a 14-13 party line vote, sending his nomination to the Senate floor for a vote.

Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) was the key vote in support of advancing the nomination. Cassidy had repeatedly expressed reservations about Kennedy’s past of undermining confidence in vaccines.

In a social media post moments before the vote, Cassidy stated “With the serious commitments I’ve received from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on the issues we agree on like healthy foods and a pro-American agenda, I will vote yes.”

Kennedy’s nomination will now be sent to the full Senate for a vote on his confirmation. The vote was opposed by all Democrats on the committee.