This week, the Senate will hold confirmation hearings for two of President Donald Trump's administration picks, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been nominated for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), while Tulsi Gabbard has been selected to be the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
Kennedy's first hearing will be with the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, followed by an additional hearing with the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on Thursday. Gabbard's hearing will take place on Thursday morning with the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
Both nominees have faced scrutiny due to their past policy positions that have raised concerns among lawmakers. Kennedy's criticism of vaccines and vaccination programs has worried some Republicans, while Gabbard's national security policy stances have given bipartisan lawmakers reason for pause.
During the confirmation process, both nominees have attempted to moderate themselves. Kennedy clarified that he is not 'anti-vaccine' and emphasized the importance of informed choice when it comes to vaccines. Gabbard made a significant reversal on a controversial intelligence tool, which helped her gain support from a Republican senator on the intel committee.
While some Republican backing has been secured for the nominees in the relevant committees, not all senators have indicated whether they will vote to advance the selections. Even if they are voted out of the committees, Kennedy and Gabbard may still face challenges in being confirmed by the full Senate.
Overall, the confirmation hearings for Kennedy and Gabbard highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding Trump's administration picks and the rigorous scrutiny they undergo in the Senate.
