Overview

• Tulsi Gabbard, nominated for Director of National Intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated for Health and Human Services Secretary, passed narrow Senate committee votes on Tuesday.
• Republican Senators Todd Young and Bill Cassidy, who initially expressed reservations, provided pivotal support after securing assurances from the nominees and the White House.
• Gabbard faced bipartisan criticism for her past positions on Edward Snowden, Russia, and Syria, while Kennedy's anti-vaccine rhetoric raised concerns about his suitability to lead U.S. health agencies.
• The confirmations of both nominees are expected to face tight votes in the full Senate, with a few Republican senators still undecided and strong Democratic opposition.
• GOP leadership, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has worked to unify the party around Trump’s nominees, highlighting the political risks of opposing the president early in his second term.