In addition to Brooke Rollins’ confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture, the Senate yesterday also confirmed Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, which oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), among other health agencies. The 52-48 vote was largely along party lines, though Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, a polio survivor, once again joined with Democrats to oppose the nomination.
The Senate has now confirmed 16 of President Trump’s appointees. More votes are expected early next week on Howard Lutnick to be Commerce Secretary and Kelly Loeffler to lead the Small Business Administration. Kash Patel’s nomination to be FBI director also advanced out of committee.
Committee action is scheduled for two other cabinet picks. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will vote on Linda McMahon’s nomination to be education secretary, and hold a confirmation hearing for Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s nominee to lead the Labor Department.
