By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two of President Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees each cleared major hurdles on Capitol Hill Tuesday. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard will advance to the next stage in the confirmation process.
The Senate Finance Committee advanced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services with a 14-13 vote along party lines.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced strong scrutiny from many Democrats and critics who have raised concerns over his stance on certain vaccines. Trump’s controversial pick to lead the U.S. Health and Human Services agency (HHS), an agency with a $1.7 trillion annual budget, even drew skepticism among some Senate Republicans. However, that skepticism appears to have been cast aside.
“It was a decision I studied exhaustively, I took very seriously. And as I said I would, I spoke with Mr. Kennedy not once, but multiple times over the weekend, including this morning,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R- LA), who’s support was up in the air leading up to Tuesday’s committee vote. “My support is built on assurances that this will not have to be a concern and that he and I can work together to build an agenda to make America healthy again,” said Cassidy, who is also a physician.
Now, the nomination is set to be considered by the entire Republican-led Senate, the last hurdle RFK Jr. will need to clear. It’s too early to tell how the Senate vote might pan out, but Kennedy can only afford to lose three Republican votes. Some lawmakers feel like it’s already a done deal.
“He, he has the job, I mean, that’s obvious. He has the job,” said Sen. John Fetterman (D- PA).
Meanwhile, another cabinet pick was voted favorably through committee. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, secured approval in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Gabbard’s nomination will now head to the Senate floor for a final vote.
Recently, some Republicans pressed Gabbard on Russian aggression, US government surveillance and NSA leaker Edward Snowden.
“So was Edward Snowden a traitor,” asked Sen. James Lankford (R- OK) during Gabbard’s confirmation hearing on Thursday.
“Senator, my heart is with my commitment to our Constitution and our nation’s security,” she replied.
Sen. Susan Collins (R- ME) echoed a similar line of questioning in Thursday’s hearing. This week, Collins said she was satisfied after meeting with Gabbard.
“I questioned her extensively about her views on Edward Snowden. And I am now satisfied,” said Sen. Collins.
Kennedy and Gabbard could receive a final vote in the Senate next week. Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick for Attorney General, will receive a final vote in the Senate later Tuesday evening.
