The Senate has confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the secretary of Health and Humans Services (HHS). 
 
The vote, which took place on Feb. 13, saw 52 Senators vote in favor of Kennedy’s nomination and 48 against. 
 
Kennedy’s nomination to head HHS was controversial, with many politicians and medical professionals expressing concerns about his outspoken skepticism of vaccinations. During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy stated that he would not attempt to prevent or discourage anyone from accessing the measles and polio vaccines. 
 
While the confirmation was largely informed by party lines with Republicans largely united in their support for Kennedy, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., notably voted against the nomination. McConnell, who had polio as a child, stated in December that the individuals interested in serving under the Trump administration would need to “steer clear” of undermining public confidence in vaccinations to gain the Senate’s support.