East Idaho Times

The United States Senate has confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with a vote of 52-48. U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) expressed support for Kennedy's vision for HHS, emphasizing his focus on consumer choice and transparency.

"When his nomination for the role of Secretary of HHS was announced, Mr. Kennedy stated, 'We have a generational opportunity to bring together the greatest minds in science, medicine, industry, and government to put an end to the chronic disease epidemic. I agree with him. We have got to get into the business of making America healthy again,'" said Crapo. "He will bring a fresh perspective to health care, prioritizing consumer choice, information transparency and early interventions to strengthen the well-being of all Americans... I encourage my colleagues to support his nomination."

Kennedy's nomination was previously reported favorably by the Senate Finance Committee with a bipartisan vote of 14 to 13.

Crapo addressed concerns about Kennedy's stance on vaccinations: "Contrary to the attacks that have constantly been made on him, he has made it very clear that he will support safe vaccinations and just wants to see that research is done and done well."

Kennedy's commitment during his nomination process included responsiveness to questions from both sides of the aisle and participation in extensive vetting processes.

"While some of my colleagues continue to question his financial agreements, Mr. Kennedy met and then exceeded the requirements set forth by the Office of Government Ethics," Crapo noted.

Crapo concluded by urging a strong affirmative vote for Kennedy as Secretary of HHS.