The US Senate has confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary in a 52-48 vote, mostly along party lines. The decision, led by the Republican-controlled Senate, comes despite strong warnings from the medical community. Kennedy, widely known as “RFK Jr.,” now oversees 80,000 employees and a $1.7 trillion budget as scientists warn of a possible bird flu pandemic and childhood diseases reemerge due to declining vaccination rates.
Kennedy was once an environmental lawyer but later became a leading figure in the anti-vaccine movement. He has promoted conspiracy theories, including claims linking vaccines to autism and doubts about germs causing diseases. He also suggested that the COVID-19 virus spared Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. His shift toward conservative positions, particularly on abortion, helped him gain Republican support despite his past views.
Read more: Starlink’s Registration in Pakistan Linked to Elon Musk’s Apology
During confirmation hearings, Democrats pointed out conflicts of interest in Kennedy’s financial records, including consulting fees from law firms suing pharmaceutical companies. They also brought up allegations of sexual misconduct and his claim that school shootings are linked to antidepressants. His confirmation remains controversial, with critics warning of the potential impact on public health policies.
Only one Republican senator, Mitch McConnell, voted against him. The 82-year-old polio survivor said, “I’ve watched vaccines save millions of lives from devastating diseases across America and around the world.” He added, “I will not condone the re-litigation of proven cures, and neither will millions of Americans who credit their survival and quality of life to scientific miracles.”
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.