RFK Jr. Advanced Out of the Senate Finance Committee, With Bill Cassidy’s Help

The Louisiana Republican said he had been swayed by assurances from Kennedy and the White House, especially over vaccine access.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr, President-Elect Donald Trump's Health and Human Services nominee.

Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA via AP

The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 on Tuesday morning to recommend the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of health.

The key vote belonged to Sen. Bill Cassidy, a doctor who has held serious concerns about Kennedy’s record on vaccines and is also up for reelection next year. Cassidy voted to advance the nomination, after what he called “intense” conversations over the last several days with Kennedy and Vice President JD Vance.

“With the serious commitments I’ve received from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on the issues we agree on like healthy foods and a pro-American agenda, I will vote yes,” he posted on X just before the vote.