President-elect Trump’s pick of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) set off immediate alarm among Democrats and public health experts, but so far the reception among key Senate Republicans has ranged from enthusiastic to open-minded.
Kennedy is a prominent vaccine skeptic who argues the rise of chronic diseases in America can be traced to ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins and chemical additives. He also blames fluoridated water and vaccines, and wants to increase access to raw milk.
“RFK Jr. has championed issues like healthy foods and the need for greater transparency in our public health infrastructure,” Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said in a statement Thursday. “I look forward to learning more about his other policy positions and how they will support a conservative, pro-American agenda.”
Cassidy will lead the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee next session. The HELP Committee has jurisdiction over most health nominees, but Kennedy’s nomination will run through the Senate Finance Committee.
If all Democrats on the committee oppose him, it will take only a few GOP defectors to sink the nomination.
Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), the expected chair of the Finance Committee, said in a statement he was also looking forward to learning more about Kennedy’s agenda.
“RFK Jr. has prioritized addressing chronic diseases through consumer choice and healthy lifestyle. American patients, providers and taxpayers deserve a health........