Photo Credit: CHD.TV
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has been confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services in a 14 to 13 vote in committee. He must now face the entire Senate. Passing this hurdle is a relief to those concerned about food and drug safety, and others who say there is a lack of oversight at the CDC and NIH.
Secretary Kennedy was confirmed in Senate Committee on February 4, following several days of hearings. Senator Crapo, the Chairman of the committee, said, "Mr. Kennedy will have the opportunity to deliver much needed change to our nation's healthcare system. He has spent his career fighting to end America's chronic illness epidemic and has been a leading advocate for healthcare transparency."
Senator Warren was against the confirmation. Her statement reflected her concern of RFK's involvement in suing vaccine manufacturers, believing he is financially benefiting from the activity. The committee chair argued that he was in compliance with all financial disclosures to the senators, and provided more information than required by the committee.
Kennedy's history of litigating environmental polluters and vaccine manufacturers, which have now come to a close at this nomination, have impacted the health of millions of Americans. His effort will focus on making sure the US conducts, "good science," and stops, "the revolving door between the NIH and drug companies." One of his main concerns is that the regulatory agencies are approving the same drugs that they have a financial interest in promoting, creating a conflict of interest.
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