Washington – The Senate is set to vote on Thursday to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the nation’s new health secretary. If approved, he will oversee a $1.7 trillion budget covering vaccines, food safety, and health insurance programs that serve nearly half of the U.S. population.
Kennedy, 71, is a well-known lawyer and outspoken critic of vaccines. While some Republican senators have questioned his views, he is expected to secure enough votes for confirmation unless there are last-minute changes.
Kennedy’s Background and Controversial Views
As a member of the famous Kennedy family, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been in the public eye since childhood. Over the years, he has gained a large following due to his strong opinions on health, food safety, and environmental issues. His influence grew even more during the COVID-19 pandemic when he used social media and legal actions to challenge vaccine manufacturers and government health agencies.
With support from Republican President Donald Trump, Kennedy believes he can rebuild trust in federal health organizations, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Republican and Democratic Responses
Republican senators have mostly welcomed Kennedy’s nomination. Some, like Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, support his plans to reduce healthcare costs and improve public health. However, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a doctor, hesitated before agreeing to support him. Cassidy wanted assurances that Kennedy would not change existing vaccine recommendations.
Democratic senators, on the other hand, have raised concerns. They pressed Kennedy to reject the false theory that vaccines cause autism, but he did not do so. Some lawmakers also worry that Kennedy could profit from altering vaccine policies or weakening legal protections for vaccine manufacturers.
Last year, Kennedy made over $850,000 by referring clients to a law firm that sued the makers of Gardasil, a vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). He has promised to redirect any future earnings from this arrangement to his son.
Health Policy Changes and Government Shakeup
Kennedy’s confirmation comes during a major shakeup in the federal government, influenced by billionaire Elon Musk. These changes have led to funding cuts, temporarily halting billions of dollars in public health programs and leaving many federal employees uncertain about their jobs.
Recently, the NIH announced plans to reduce funding for medical research at universities, affecting the development of treatments for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Kennedy has also proposed significant changes, including firing 600 employees at the NIH.
If confirmed, Kennedy will play a key role in shaping the future of public health in the U.S. His leadership is expected to bring major reforms, but his controversial views could lead to ongoing debates and challenges.
