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RFK Jr. confirmed as health secretary

February 13, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with a Senate vote of 52 to 48, despite significant opposition and millions spent by groups against his nomination. Kennedy faced resistance from both sides of the political spectrum due to his controversial views on vaccines and past support for abortion rights. Democratic senators protested late into the night, but Kennedy secured the necessary votes by Thursday morning. Sen. Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, was the only Republican to join Democrats in voting against him.

Sources:

Korecki, N et al. (2025, February 13). NBC News. Senate votes to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/senate-votes-confirm-robert-f-kennedy-jr-health-secretary-rcna191856

Simmons-Duffin, S. (2025, February 13). NPR. RFK Jr. confirmed as Trump's health secretary, over Democrats' loud objections. https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5294591/rfk-jr-trump-health-human-services-hhs-vaccines