Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s Controversial HHS Nomination Nears Vote as Senators Clash Over His Views

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Alexis N. Crockett
February 13, 2025
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8 minutes read

(Ben Curtis/AP)

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services inches closer to a full Senate vote, Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer has defended the pick, arguing that Kennedy has effectively convinced senators of his stance on public health.

In an interview with Raw Story on Wednesday, Cramer suggested that Kennedy—widely known for promoting anti-vaccine conspiracy theories—has reassured lawmakers of his commitment to science, transparency, and medical choice.

“I think he’s clarified to most people’s satisfaction – it’s one thing to be anti-vaccine, it’s another thing to be pro-science and transparency and choice,” Cramer said. “And I think he’s convinced most of us or all of us that that’s what he is, and I think he’s reasonable.”

Kennedy, President Donald Trump’s nominee to oversee the nation’s premier health agency, has a long history of fueling skepticism about vaccines, COVID-19, and even AIDS. Despite this, Cramer expressed confidence that Kennedy would secure the votes needed for confirmation.

Robert F Kennedy Jr — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives remarks at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Aug. 23, 2024 in Phoenix. Kennedy announced that he was suspending his presidential campaign and supporting the Republican presidential candidate Trump. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

However, opposition remains strong among Democrats and public health advocates who warn that Kennedy’s appointment could have dire consequences for national health policy. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) offered a sharp rebuke, accusing Kennedy of actively spreading misinformation worldwide that has led to disease outbreaks.

“This is not one of those nominations that will age well,” Schatz told Raw Story. “It won’t be unclear why we have measles and mumps and rubella breakouts in 2025 in the United States of America, so this one is deeply, deeply dangerous. I hope I’m wrong.” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) echoed these concerns, urging his colleagues to recognize the broader implications of confirming Kennedy.

“I’m telling my colleagues that this is a vote for a sicker America,” Wyden warned. “It’s going to ripple through our country for years to come when you roll back the clock on policies like vaccines.” While Wyden noted that some Republicans share his concerns, he stopped short of predicting whether enough GOP senators would break ranks to derail Kennedy’s nomination.

As the Senate moves toward a final vote, the confirmation process remains a flashpoint in the broader debate over science, public health, and the role of political ideology in shaping national health policies. If approved, Kennedy’s leadership at HHS could mark a significant shift in how the federal government approaches vaccine mandates, public health funding, and disease prevention strategies.