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Senate Confirms RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary Amid Vaccine Controversy

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) defended his vote, saying the appointment gives the president an adviser.
Cassidy warned that Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance and a CDC autism-vaccines agreement could hurt HHS, which lacks a surgeon general.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called for investigations, citing emails that show Kennedy canceled flu campaigns and altered COVID-19 guidance without CDC input.

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Story summary

The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) defended his vote, saying the appointment gives the president an adviser.
Cassidy warned that Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance and a CDC autism-vaccines agreement could hurt HHS, which lacks a surgeon general.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called for investigations, citing emails that show Kennedy canceled flu campaigns and altered COVID-19 guidance without CDC input.