Sen. Mitch McConnell Casts Only Republican Vote Against RFK Jr.
Source: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) speaks to the media at the US Capitol on November 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. Senators held a vote for leadership positions and Mitch McConnell was unanimously re-elected Senate majority leader on Tuesday. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Senator Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, voted against Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his confirmation for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Thursday morning.
The Senate confirmed Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday by a vote of 52 to 48. McConnell was the only Republican to vote no.
McConnell, who has been in politics since the earth was young, issued a statement regarding why he chose to vote against Kennedy.
“I’m a survivor of childhood polio. In my lifetime, I’ve watched vaccines save millions of lives from devastating diseases across America and around the world. I will not condone the re-litigation of proven cures, and neither will millions of Americans who credit their survival and quality of life to scientific miracles.”
The senator continued: “Individuals, parents, and families have a right to push for a healthier nation and demand the best possible scientific guidance on preventing and treating illness. But a record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts.”
“The Administration—led by the same President who delivered a medical miracle with Project Warp Speed—deserves a leader who is willing to acknowledge without qualification the efficacy of life-saving vaccines and who can demonstrate an understanding of basic elements of the U.S. healthcare system. Mr. Kennedy failed to prove he is the best possible person to lead America’s largest health agency. As he takes office, I sincerely hope Mr. Kennedy will choose not to sow further doubt and division but to restore trust in our public health institutions,” he said.
McConnell was also the lone GOP no vote against Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence and one of only three Republicans who opposed Pete Hegseth as Defense secretary.
