The Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a vote for Tuesday to decide on the nomination of Robert F Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department. Kennedy recently appeared before the Senate Finance Committee for a hearing, followed by a second day of confirmation hearings before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
The upcoming vote is expected to heavily rely on the decision of Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, who expressed concerns regarding Kennedy's past claims linking vaccines to autism. It is important to note that vaccines undergo rigorous testing before approval, and their safety is continuously monitored.
Sen. Cassidy, who has a background in medicine, highlighted Kennedy's history of anti-vaccine rhetoric and his attempts to distance himself from it. Despite Kennedy's efforts to change his stance, Cassidy remains hesitant about supporting the nomination. A negative vote from Cassidy could potentially derail Kennedy's nomination in the committee.
Kennedy's nomination by former President Trump has faced criticism due to his controversial statements in the past. Kennedy has made inflammatory remarks, including comparing Covid-19 mandates to oppressive regimes and spreading unfounded theories about chemicals in water systems affecting children's sexual orientation.
The outcome of the upcoming vote will be closely watched as it could determine Kennedy's future role in the Health and Human Services Department.
