Republican Senator Susan Collins announced on Monday her support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the US Department of Health and Human Services. This decision marks a significant endorsement for Kennedy's nomination.
Collins had previously refrained from revealing her stance on the nomination as she continued to assess the candidate. However, she confirmed her support for Kennedy in a recent statement. Her announcement comes after Senator Bill Cassidy, another pivotal Republican vote, also expressed his backing for Trump's pick.
Earlier in the day, Collins highlighted her concerns about potential budget cuts to certain areas of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). She emphasized her opposition to what she described as 'arbitrary' reductions that could have severe impacts on vital research programs.
Following a discussion with Kennedy, Collins reported that he acknowledged her apprehensions and committed to reevaluating the proposed cuts. She indicated that Kennedy appeared receptive to addressing the issues she raised.
With Collins' support and the backing of other key senators, Kennedy's nomination appears to have gained momentum and is poised to advance through the confirmation process.
