Carregando agora

RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary

RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary

RFK-13-02-2592 RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary

RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary: A Polarizing Vote Reshapes U.S. Health Policy

The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary on February 13, 2025, in a 52-48 party-line vote. The decision sparks debates over vaccine policy, Medicare reforms, and the future of agencies like the CDC and FDA.

RFK-13-02-25 RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary
Source: U.S. Senate | Alt text: “2025 Senate vote results confirming RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary”

Kennedy, a former anti-vaccine activist and 2024 presidential candidate, secured Republican support despite skepticism. His promises to senators like Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to preserve CDC vaccine guidelines and avoid “reckless changes” were pivotal.

RFK Jr.’s Senate hearing clip: “I’m pro-safety, not anti-vaccine” (2:00–2:45)

Controversies dominated hearings: Kennedy’s 2019 Samoa trip (linked to a measles outbreak) and financial ties to lawsuits against Merck’s HPV vaccine drew sharp criticism. Democrats called his promises “untrustworthy”.

infographic-measles-contagious RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary

Mitch McConnell (R-KY), a polio survivor, was the lone Republican opposing Kennedy: “I will not condone re-litigating proven cures.” His stance highlights GOP divisions on science and Trump’s influence.

  • NIH Budget: $45B (2024) → Proposed $38B (2025)
  • Medicaid Cuts: $880B over 10 years (House GOP plan)
nih-budget-cuts RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary

Key Fact: 1 in 36 U.S. children have autism diagnoses—a rise Kennedy falsely linked to vaccines during hearings.

Sen. McConnell: “Vaccines saved my life. We cannot undermine trust” (3:00–3:30)

Kennedy’s agenda includes a “Make America Healthy Again” commission, targeting ultra-processed foods and chronic diseases. Critics warn his NIH staff cuts and focus on “alternative research” could weaken pandemic preparedness :cite[5]:cite[8].

RFK-13-02-2593 RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary

Share this content: