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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as the 26th Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) by the U.S. Senate in a 52-48 vote. His nomination, which faced scrutiny in committee hearings, was ultimately approved with all but one Republican voting in favor.
Kennedy’s confirmation process included hearings before the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee in January 2025. During these hearings, Senator Bernie Sanders, the ranking member of the HELP Committee, was among the most vocal critics of Kennedy’s nomination.
One of the key points of contention was Kennedy’s financial relationship with Wisner Baum, a law firm specializing in pharmaceutical injury cases. Kennedy disclosed that he receives 10% of fees from contingency cases he refers to the firm, a financial arrangement that would continue only in cases not involving the federal government. His reported income from this agreement was $856,559. He stated that he would receive final payments for concluded cases involving the U.S. government before assuming office.
On February 4, 2025, the Senate Committee on Finance voted 14-13 to advance Kennedy’s nomination for a full Senate vote. The deciding vote came from Senator Bill Cassidy, who had expressed reservations but ultimately supported Kennedy after receiving “serious commitments” from the Trump administration and “honest counsel” from Vice President JD Vance.
Cassidy, a physician, recalled a case from his medical career involving a patient with acute hepatitis B, emphasizing the importance of vaccines. His remarks were seen as a pointed comment on Kennedy’s past views on vaccination policies.
Despite the HELP Committee’s hearings, only the Senate Finance Committee was responsible for voting on Kennedy’s nomination.
On February 13, 2025, the Senate confirmed Kennedy by a narrow margin. Former Senate Republican Conference leader Mitch McConnell was the only Republican to vote against the nomination. A polio survivor, McConnell cited concerns over any association with efforts to revoke approval of the polio vaccine, stating that nominees should “steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts.”
Following his confirmation, Kennedy was sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch in a ceremony held in the Oval Office.
In an effort to address rising rates of chronic disease and mental health issues in the United States, the President has signed an executive order establishing the “Make America Healthy Again Commission.” The initiative aims to improve public health by focusing on chronic disease prevention, transparency in research, and better nutrition.
The order highlights significant health challenges facing Americans. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, life expectancy in the U.S. averaged 78.8 years—several years behind other developed nations. Chronic illnesses affect a large portion of the population, with six in 10 Americans living with at least one chronic disease and four in 10 experiencing multiple conditions. Mental health issues are also on the rise, with one in five adults living with a mental illness.
The order points to alarming trends among children. In 2022, nearly 41% of children had a chronic condition such as allergies, asthma, or autoimmune diseases. Autism rates have increased significantly, now affecting 1 in 36 children, compared to much lower rates in the 1980s. Additionally, nearly 30% of adolescents are prediabetic, and more than 40% are overweight or obese.
The executive order states that these health problems are straining the economy and national security. About 77% of young adults do not qualify for military service due to health-related issues, and the country spends $4.5 trillion annually on healthcare, with most costs going toward managing chronic and mental health conditions rather than preventing them.
To combat these issues, the President is directing federal agencies to focus on reducing chronic disease rates, improving food quality, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Research efforts will emphasize identifying the root causes of illness while ensuring transparency in data and minimizing conflicts of interest in medical research.
The new commission, led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will include officials from various federal departments, including Agriculture, Education, Veterans Affairs, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Its primary goal is to develop strategies for tackling childhood chronic disease.
Within 100 days, the commission will submit an assessment detailing childhood health trends and potential causes, including diet, environmental factors, and medical treatments. A long-term strategy will follow within 180 days, outlining changes to federal health policies and programs.
The executive order emphasizes the importance of public input, transparency, and scientific integrity in shaping health policies. The commission may hold public hearings and consult experts to gather recommendations.
Following the commission’s findings, further reports and policy updates may be recommended to the President. The order also ensures that the initiative will comply with existing laws and funding availability.
