East Idaho Times

U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo recently addressed an executive session concerning the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Crapo stated, "We meet today to vote on the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)." He highlighted Kennedy's potential to bring significant changes to the nation's healthcare system if confirmed.

Kennedy's career has been marked by his efforts to address America's chronic illness epidemic and his advocacy for transparency in healthcare for both patients and taxpayers. Crapo noted, "He has spent his career fighting to end America’s chronic illness epidemic and has been a leading advocate for health care transparency, both for patients and for taxpayers."

During the nomination process, Kennedy responded comprehensively to questions posed by committee members, answering over nine hundred inquiries as part of due diligence procedures. Crapo remarked, "Mr. Kennedy has also clearly responded to our questions during the rigorous due diligence process, his hearing, and in the course of answering over nine hundred questions for the record that were asked by Members of this Committee."

Kennedy demonstrated further commitment by amending his ethics agreement beyond requirements set by the Office of Government Ethics in response to committee members' concerns.

Crapo expressed confidence in Kennedy's suitability for the role: "Mr. Kennedy has proven his commitment to the role of Secretary of HHS, and I will vote in favor of his nomination." He urged bipartisan support from colleagues: “I strongly encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do the same.”

Following these remarks, Crapo acknowledged Ranking Member Wyden for additional comments.