Kennedy, who has attracted both support and controversy, insists he is not against vaccines while advocating for stricter safety measures. The nomination will next go before the full Senate. A notable point of contention was his past statements questioning vaccine safety. Some senators, like Bernie Sanders, challenged him on previous comments linked to his anti-vaccine advocacy. Despite some skepticism from Democrats, Kennedy received backing from key Republicans, paving the way to a full Senate vote. If confirmed, he will oversee major health agencies, including the CDC and FDA, as he aims to reform U.S. food and healthcare systems.

Kennedy’s nomination reflects ongoing debates about health policy and public trust in vaccines ahead of the 2024 elections.