US Senate confirms RFK Jr. as Health Secretary

USA – In a closely contested vote, the US Senate has confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The decision, which passed 52-48, saw all but one Republican senator, Mitch McConnell (R-KY), voting in favor, while Democrats fiercely opposed the nomination.

Contentious road to confirmation

Kennedy’s appointment has sparked intense debate, particularly due to his controversial past views on vaccines and public health issues.

Democratic senators delayed the vote with extended speeches on the Senate floor, emphasizing their concerns over his history of promoting conspiracy theories.

Just before the vote, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) urged Republican colleagues to reconsider their decision, calling Kennedy’s nomination “horrific.”

Despite these objections, Kennedy’s confirmation moved forward after Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who was initially undecided, chose to support him.

Cassidy explained that he made his decision after securing “serious commitments” from the administration and opportunities to collaborate on key issues like nutrition and pro-American policies.

Impact on federal health agencies

Kennedy’s confirmation comes at a time when the Trump administration is reportedly preparing an executive order to significantly reduce staff at federal health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A Wall Street Journal report last week suggested that “thousands” of federal health jobs could be cut under this plan, raising concerns within the healthcare industry.

Pharmaceutical companies are also closely watching the new administration. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla acknowledged the potential for collaboration on issues such as chronic disease and cancer research, despite Kennedy’s well-documented anti-vaccine stance. Bourla stated:

“I feel cautiously optimistic that [the new administration] will be very, very prudent with everything they try to do.”

Medicare drug price negotiations under scrutiny

One of the biggest concerns following Kennedy’s confirmation is the future of Medicare drug price negotiations.

Patients for Affordable Drugs executive director Merith Basey emphasized the need for Kennedy to continue efforts to lower prescription drug prices, saying:

“Secretary Kennedy has a critical opportunity — and responsibility — to build on existing measures to rein in Big Pharma’s price-gouging and lower drug costs for patients.”

During his confirmation hearings, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) pressed Kennedy on whether he would uphold the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a policy that allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices. Kennedy reassured lawmakers by stating:

“Congress passed a law, I’m swearing an oath to the Constitution, and I’m going to comply with the law.”

Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reaffirmed its commitment to lowering prescription drug costs.

The agency issued a statement highlighting that reducing drug prices is a top priority for the Trump administration.

The first round of Medicare drug price negotiations included ten drugs, with new prices set to take effect in 2026.

Just before leaving office, the Biden administration released a list of 15 more medicines for the second round of negotiations.