RFK Jr.'s Nomination Advances Out of Committee After JD Vance Gets Involved
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved a step closer to becoming the secretary of Health and Human Services on Tuesday.
In a 14-13 party-line decision, the Senate Finance Committee advanced Kennedy’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, sending it to the full Senate for consideration.
The outcome was uncertain following contentious hearings last week, during which Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana—a physician—expressed doubt about whether he could back Kennedy, as reported by CBS.
On Tuesday, Cassidy clarified his stance, crediting Vice President J.D. Vance, a former Senate colleague, with influencing his decision.
“I’ve had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and even this morning,” Cassidy posted on X.
“I want to thank VP JD specifically for his honest counsel.
“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,” he wrote.
I’ve had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and even this morning. I want to thank VP JD specifically for his honest counsel. With the serious commitments I’ve received from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on the…
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) February 4, 2025
Fox News had previously reported that Cassidy and Kennedy held discussions on Sunday.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Republican Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho expressed strong support for Kennedy, emphasizing the nominee’s potential to bring much-needed reform.
“Mr. Kennedy, if confirmed, will have the opportunity to deliver much-needed change to our nation’s health care system,” Crapo stated, according to the New York Post.
“He has spent his career fighting to end America’s chronic illness epidemic and has been a leading advocate for health care transparency, both for patients and for taxpayers,” he added.
Crapo also noted that Kennedy responded to more than 900 inquiries from committee members.
Cassidy’s hesitations about Kennedy stemmed from his stance on vaccines and past statements linking vaccines to autism, according to NBC.
President Donald Trump addressed the rise in autism rates in a Truth Social post on Tuesday.
Trump wrote, “20 years ago, Autism in children was 1 in 10,000. NOW IT’S 1 in 34. WOW! Something’s really wrong. We need BOBBY!!! Thank You! DJT.”
NBC reported that the increase in autism diagnoses, from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 36 today, is attributed to changes in diagnostic criteria.