Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Gets His Chance to ‘Go Wild’ on the U.S. Health System

The Senate confirmed the former Democrat to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Jose Luis Magana/AP

The Senate voted early Thursday morning to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, granting him sweeping authority over a U.S. health system he has long antagonized.

The vote was 52-48, nearly split along party lines. Sen. Mitch McConnell voted against Kennedy, after voting to advance his nomination on Wednesday.

His confirmation culminates a stunning rise to public health power for the nominee, the son of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy Jr.