Confirmation and Key Votes
Kennedy's confirmation came largely along party lines, with all but one Republican senator voting in favor. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) broke ranks with his party to vote against the nomination, citing concerns about Kennedy's "record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions."
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician who had previously expressed reservations about Kennedy's stance on vaccines, ultimately voted to confirm after receiving "serious commitments" from the administration. Cassidy stated that he would work closely with Kennedy to ensure mainstream views are represented in the department.
Controversy Surrounding Vaccine Views
Kennedy's history of anti-vaccine rhetoric has been a central point of contention throughout the nomination process. As the founder and former CEO of Children's Health Defense, an organization known for promoting vaccine skepticism, Kennedy has faced criticism from both sides of the aisle.
During confirmation hearings, Kennedy attempted to reframe his position as "pro-safety" rather than anti-vaccine. He committed to "follow the science" on vaccines and not sow public mistrust in their efficacy. However, concerns persist about how his past statements and beliefs may influence HHS policy.
Industry and Market Reactions
The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries have responded with a mix of caution and concern to Kennedy's confirmation. Shares of vaccine makers, including Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Novavax, reportedly fell following his nomination.
However, some sectors may see potential benefits. Developers of stem cell therapies, nutraceuticals, and psychedelic therapies have expressed optimism about Kennedy's appointment, given his previous criticism of FDA policies in these areas.
Industry associations representing pharmacists, patients, and chain drug stores have called on Kennedy to address practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and make drugs more affordable for seniors.
As Kennedy takes office, the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare stakeholders will be closely monitoring his actions and their potential impact on drug development, approval processes, and public health initiatives.
References
- RFK Jr. Confirmed as HHS Secretary Despite Continued Controversy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—whose history of anti-vaccine rhetoric has had the healthcare and biopharma industries on edge—was confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary in a Senate vote along party lines.
- RFK Jr. confirmed as HHS secretary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine critic, was confirmed Thursday by the U.S. Senate in a 52-48 vote to serve as the nation’s top health official.
- RFK Jr. sworn in as head of HHS following 52-48 Senate vote
The full Senate voted 52-48 today to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy was sworn in hours later during a White House ceremony where President Donald Trump established a Make America Healthy Again commission.
- RFK Jr. confirmed by Senate as health secretary
All but one Senate Republican voted for Kennedy, a controversial vaccine critic whose embrace of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement helped him win one of the most powerful jobs in Washington.
- Senate confirms RFK Jr. as head of HHS in 52-48 vote
The full Senate voted 52-48 today to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy committed to work closely with the top Republican physician Bill Cassidy, who aims to keep Kennedy honest on maintaining public health infrastructure.
- It’s official: Senate votes to confirm RFK Jr. as HHS secretary
The Senate on Thursday voted 52-48 to confirm President Donald Trump's nominee for health secretary.
- RFK Jr. confirmed as HHS secretary
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine critic, was confirmed Thursday by the U.S. Senate in a 52-48 vote to serve as the nation’s top health official.
- RFK Jr. Passes First Hurdle as Nomination Moves to Full Senate Vote
Senator Bill Cassidy voted with fellow Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday morning to move forward the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for HHS secretary.
- RFK Jr. clears key hurdle on path to HHS secretary
A key Senate committee voted to advance Robert F. Kennedy’s nomination even after some legislators raised concerns about his previous vaccine stances and confusion surrounding programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
- RFK Jr.'s nomination for HHS secretary clears Senate committee, teeing up full vote
HHS secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one step closer to confirmation as the Senate Finance Committee voted on Tuesday to advance his nomination for a full Senate vote.
- RFK Jr. clears key hurdle on path to become HHS secretary
Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy joined his Republican colleagues in voting to advance Kennedy's nomination to a vote by the full Senate.
- RFK Jr. clears key hurdle on path to HHS secretary
A key Senate committee voted to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination even after some legislators raised concerns about his previous vaccine stances and confusion surrounding programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Explore Further
What is the professional background of Kennedy before his confirmation?
How did Kennedy's history at Children's Health Defense influence his confirmation hearings?
What were the key commitments made by the administration that convinced Sen. Bill Cassidy to support Kennedy?
What are the specific concerns that Sen. Mitch McConnell has regarding Kennedy's confirmation?
How might Kennedy's past criticism of FDA policies impact his approach to pharmaceutical regulatory practices?