Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his critical views on vaccines, was confirmed as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by the U.S. Senate. The final vote was 52-48, mostly along party lines. Most Republicans supported him, except for Senator Mitch McConnell, who opposed the nomination alongside all the Democrats.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor from Louisiana, played a significant role in Kennedy’s confirmation. Although he expressed concerns about Kennedy’s past promotion of vaccine misinformation, he ultimately decided to support the nomination after Kennedy assured him that he would work within existing vaccine approval and safety procedures.
As HHS Secretary, Kennedy will oversee a large federal agency that includes the FDA, the CDC, and Medicare and Medicaid Services. He plans to address the country’s increasing rates of chronic diseases and is particularly focused on the impact of processed foods on obesity. During his confirmation hearing, he emphasized the need for more research into food additives like artificial colors and aimed to align ingredient standards with those in European countries.
Kennedy has also criticized the FDA’s safety standards, which allow some ingredients to avoid rigorous reviews if they are deemed safe by experts. He believes this approach should be changed to evaluate new chemicals more cautiously.
The Consumer Brands Association, which represents many food companies, has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Kennedy. They highlight that their industry is a major employer in the U.S., providing over 22 million jobs, and emphasize their commitment to delivering safe and trusted products.
On the same day, the Senate confirmed Brooke Rollins as the Secretary of Agriculture. Rollins, who was favored by Republicans largely due to her ties to Trump, will oversee regulations for the meat, poultry, and dairy sectors.
