The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 along party lines to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump. His nomination has been contentious, with pressure campaigns from both sides.

Kennedy faced significant opposition due to his controversial views on vaccines. Despite stating during confirmation hearings that he supports vaccines and is "pro-safety," his past comments linking vaccines to autism have drawn criticism.

The decision came after intense deliberations, particularly from Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who was seen as a pivotal vote.

Cassidy, a physician, had expressed concerns over Kennedy's past comments on vaccines, particularly his stance on their safety and efficacy. However, after discussions with Kennedy and the White House, Cassidy decided to support the nomination, citing commitments from the administration on shared goals like promoting healthy foods and a pro-American agenda.

The nomination now moves to the full Senate for a vote, which could happen as early as next week. If confirmed, Kennedy will oversee major health programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, and manage vaccine standards.

Later in the day, the Senate Intelligence Committee voted 9-8 on Tuesday (February 4) to advance Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as director of national intelligence, paving the way for a full Senate vote on her confirmation.

During her confirmation hearing last week, Gabbard faced tough questions from some Republicans regarding her previous support for Edward Snowden and her stance on government surveillance programs. Gabbard, a former congresswoman from Hawaii, had initially called for Snowden's pardon but reversed her position at the hearing, stating she would not seek clemency for him. She also softened her stance on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act's Section 702, acknowledging its importance as a surveillance tool.

Two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana, who were seen as potential "no" votes, ultimately supported Gabbard. Collins expressed that Gabbard had addressed her concerns about Snowden, while Young cited commitments from Gabbard that he believed would enhance national security.

Gabbard's nomination has been contentious, with critics accusing her of echoing Russian and Syrian propaganda. However, she defended her loyalty to the United States, highlighting her military service and political career. Gabbard argued that her critics were unsettled by her refusal to conform to Washington's national security establishment.

If confirmed, Gabbard would oversee 18 intelligence agencies and serve as the president's principal intelligence adviser. The full Senate will soon decide her confirmation, and assuming no Democrats support her, she can afford to lose up to three Republican votes.

Mike Russell