Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., says confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services is “not a slam dunk” as the president’s nominee works to shore up support. In an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Fetterman said he has met with Kennedy twice in his office and is still deciding on his vote. “I approached with an open mind and I watched the hearing. And that’s how the process works,” Fetterman said.
Kennedy, a lifelong Democrat who switched his presidential campaign to support Donald Trump, has made it through back-to-back grillings by the Senate Finance Committee and the Health Committee, but still faces crucial committee and full Senate confirmation votes.
Many of the tough questions and sparring came from Democrats on the committees, including Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who expressed concerns over Kennedy’s past stance on vaccines. However, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he will support Kennedy despite his past comments on abortion, saying Kennedy has committed to implementing a Republican pro-life agenda as secretary.
Fetterman has spoken to colleagues on both sides regarding the matter and says it’s “certainly not a slam dunk” for the nomination. He has spoken with Kennedy twice in his office and has approached the decision with an open mind, saying “I’ve made an investment to really understand and talk to all of the nominees, and I treated everyone with respect and I took the time to listen.”
