Transition of Power

Senate Advances RFK Jr.’s HHS Secretary Nomination to Final Vote

A 53–47 vote along party lines moved Kennedy one step closer to becoming HHS secretary.
Senate Advances RFK Jr.’s HHS Secretary Nomination to Final Vote
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. waves to reporters as he rides the train to a meeting with Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) at the Capitol on Dec. 17, 2024. AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File
Jeff Louderback
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s path to becoming secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) received a significant boost on Feb. 12 when the Senate voted 53–47 to invoke cloture on his nomination for the post.

The decision was made hours after the chamber confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence.

Jeff Louderback
Jeff Louderback
Reporter
Jeff Louderback covers major news and politics, including the Make America Healthy Again movement and regenerative farming. Since joining The Epoch Times in 2022, he has covered national elections, the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presidential campaign, the East Palestine train derailment, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Jeff has 30-plus years of professional experience as a reporter, editor, and author.