The Senate voted to break the filibuster on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The vote to invoke cloture was 53-47 along party lines.
Prior to the vote, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) said she would support Kennedy’s nomination.
“I intend to support Robert Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. While there is no dispute that the U.S. spends more per capita on healthcare than any other country, our health outcomes do not reflect this investment,” she wrote on X. “Instead of focusing on who covers our exorbitant healthcare costs, we need to reduce these costs by directing our attention to prevention and keeping people healthy. This is the appeal of RFK, and many Alaskans have shared that view with me. Chronic conditions are a significant source of illness and major drivers of public debt; he recognizes this and is committed to addressing it.”
Earlier this month, the Senate Finance Committee voted to advance RFK Jr.’s nomination. The committee vote was 14-13.
Just before the vote was held, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said he would support Kennedy. “I’ve had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and even this morning. I want to thank VP JD specifically for his honest counsel,” Cassidey announced on X at the time. “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.”
