The Senate on Feb. 13 voted 52-48 to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as the 26th secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to join all Democratic Senators in voting against his confirmation.
Following the confirmation vote, the HHS issued a press release highlighting Kennedy’s swearing-in ceremony, related executive actions, and his personal background. In addition, soon after Kennedy’s confirmation, President Donald Trump signed an executive order, and the White House issued an accompanying fact sheet, establishing the Make America Healthy Again Commission. The order tasks the commission to investigate and address the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with a focus on childhood chronic disease. Secretary Kennedy will serve as Chair of the Commission.