On February 4, the Senate Finance Committee Held an open executive session to vote on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Committee voted 14-13 to favorably report Mr. Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate. Members of the Finance Committee voted on party lines, with all Republicans supporting Mr. Kennedy and all Democrats opposing.
As previously discussed (here), the decision on whether Mr. Kennedy would successfully move out of the Finance Committee rested upon U.S. Senator Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), member of both Senate Finance, and Chairman of HELP. Dr. Cassidy joined his fellow Republicans and voted in support of Mr. Kennedy; he made no statement regarding his vote. Mr. Kennedy’s nomination will now move to the full Senate for a vote where confirmation appears likely. We caution, however, that the situation remains uncertain and could change quickly. We will provide timely updates on areas of interest and or concern.