Overview

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine skepticism, secured approval from the Senate Finance Committee in a narrow 14-13 vote along party lines.
• Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, provided the pivotal vote after Kennedy pledged not to alter vaccine guidelines or remove scientific information from the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Kennedy, nominated by President Trump, faces criticism from Democrats and health experts, with 77 Nobel laureates warning his appointment could endanger public health.
• As Health Secretary, Kennedy would oversee an $1.7 trillion budget and 80,000 employees, during a time of heightened concerns about potential pandemics like avian flu.
• Kennedy's history of promoting conspiracy theories and controversial statements has fueled debate, though he has recently tempered his rhetoric in preparation for the role.