WASHINGTON: Robert F Kennedy Jr, President Donald Trump's pick for health secretary, moved closer to securing the job on Tuesday (Feb 4), winning approval from a key Republican senator and a recommendation from the Finance Committee to advance him to a full Senate vote as soon as this week.
Robert F Kennedy Jr, US President Trump’s nominee to be secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies before a Senate Health , Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, US, Jan 30, 2025.
If confirmed in the full Senate, he will run the US Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees more than US$3 trillion in healthcare spending, including agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid health programs that provide health insurance for over 140 million Americans.
Before the vote on Tuesday, Republican committee member Bill Cassidy, a medical doctor who also chairs the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, was seen as a potential swing vote against Kennedy after he said during a confirmation hearing last week that he was struggling with the decision.
"I want to thank VP JD specifically for his honest counsel," Cassidy added."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."Now, Kennedy needs the support of at least 50 senators, which would allow Vance to cast a tie-breaking vote to confirm his nomination.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Robert Kennedy Jr.'s Nomination Faces Scrutiny Over Vaccine Views and Healthcare PlansRobert Kennedy Jr., nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, faced intense questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing. He struggled to articulate his plans for reforming Medicaid and Medicare, made inaccurate statements about the programs, and repeatedly expressed support for privatization. Kennedy also faced criticism for his long-standing anti-vaccine views, which he acknowledged while attempting to clarify his stance. His nomination sparked concern among public health officials and drew criticism from his own family.
Read more »
Former President Jimmy Carter Lies in State in WashingtonFormer US President Jimmy Carter's body arrived in Washington for three days of official mourning, including lying in state at the US Capitol ahead of a Thursday funeral. The state funeral coincides with preparations for Donald Trump's inauguration.
Read more »
Jimmy Carter's Body Arrives in Washington for State FuneralFormer US President Jimmy Carter's remains arrived in Washington DC on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, for three days of official mourning. This includes lying in state at the US Capitol ahead of his state funeral on Thursday.
Read more »
Thousands gather in Washington to protest Trump inaugurationWASHINGTON: Several thousand people, mostly women, gathered in Washington on Saturday (Jan 18) to protest President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, with some wearing the pink hats that marked the muc
Read more »
Trump arrives in Washington as inauguration celebrations begin with fireworks, Elvis impersonatorSTERLING, Virginia — President-elect Donald Trump arrived in the Washington area on Saturday (Jan 18) evening for a celebration of his return to power ahead of an inauguration ceremony that has been upended by record cold temperatures.
Read more »
Trump draws thousands to Washington rally for a pre-inauguration victory lapWASHINGTON: Thousands of Donald Trump's supporters waited for hours in the cold and rain to attend his victory rally on Sunday (Jan 19), a day before the president-elect returns to p
Read more »