The GOP-controlled Senate voted 52-48 to confirm anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the health and human services secretary, with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell breaking ranks with Republicans to join Democrats in opposition. Despite concerns over Kennedy’s past stances on vaccines and abortion, he overcame these obstacles and secured the support of key Republicans like Senators Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins. Cassidy, a physician, initially questioned Kennedy’s qualifications but ultimately voted in favor after receiving reassurances regarding vaccines. Murkowski and Collins also supported Kennedy after he promised to base vaccine recommendations on data-driven research. As head of the $1.7 trillion agency, Kennedy will oversee pandemic preparedness, government-funded health care, vaccine development, and more. His past activism against vaccines and promotion of false theories linking them to autism have drawn criticism, with Democrats like Senator Maggie Hassan arguing that sowing doubt in settled science hinders progress. Kennedy, who previously ran for president as a Democrat before endorsing Trump, will now be responsible for leading the nation’s largest health agency.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
