Overview

• A coalition of more than 700 public health professionals has urged the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, citing his anti-vaccine rhetoric and inexperience.
• Kennedy’s critics warn that his views on vaccines and other public health issues could undermine trust in science and reverse progress on infectious disease prevention.
• Kennedy has attempted to reassure Republican senators by softening his vaccine rhetoric and pledging to follow President-elect Trump's policy agenda on abortion-related matters.
• Key Senate Republicans, including moderates Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, have expressed reservations, while Democrats remain divided on whether to support Kennedy.
• Kennedy’s confirmation hearings will be pivotal, as he faces questions about his qualifications, his ability to oversee critical public health agencies, and his controversial past statements.