RFK Jr confirmed as health secretary in divisive Senate vote

14 February 2025

Robert F Kennedy Jr has been confirmed as the new secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) after a closely contested vote in the US Senate.

His confirmation, which passed 52-48 on Thursday, was largely split along party lines, with Republican senator Mitch McConnell the only member of his party to vote against him.

As HHS secretary, Mr Kennedy will oversee major health agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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