In Washington, DC, the US Senate confirmed Robert F Kennedy Jr as the US Health and Human Services Secretary with a 52-48 vote. Despite being an anti-vaccine activist, Kennedy secured the position, overcoming concerns about his past views on vaccines and abortion.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, voted against Kennedy, citing his history of promoting conspiracy theories. McConnell expressed hope that Kennedy would restore trust in public health institutions.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, initially questioned Kennedy's qualifications but ultimately voted in his favor after receiving reassurances about maintaining CDC's vaccine practices. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins also supported Kennedy, citing his commitments to evidence-based vaccine recommendations.
Kennedy will lead a $1.7 trillion agency responsible for pandemic preparedness, healthcare management, and overseeing vaccines. Previously, he ran for US President as a Democrat before supporting Donald Trump with a health-focused campaign.
Kennedy's stance against vaccines and false theories linking them to autism did not gain Democratic support. However, his proposal to scrutinize chemicals in food received bipartisan backing.
Robert F Kennedy Jr is a well-known American lawyer and environmental activist. He is part of the famous Kennedy family, which includes former US President John F. Kennedy.
The US Health and Human Services Secretary is a person in charge of a big government department in the United States. This department looks after public health, healthcare, and important things like vaccines.
The Senate is a part of the US government where important decisions are made. It is like a group of leaders who vote on big issues and help make laws.
An anti-vaccine stance means that someone does not support the use of vaccines. Vaccines are medicines that help protect people from getting sick from certain diseases.
Republicans are members of one of the two main political parties in the United States. They have their own ideas about how the country should be run, just like the other main party, the Democrats.
Evidence-based practices are actions or decisions that are made based on scientific research and proven facts. This means using the best available information to make choices, especially in healthcare.
A $1.7 trillion agency means that the department has a budget of $1.7 trillion, which is a huge amount of money. This money is used to manage and improve public health and healthcare services.
A presidential campaign is when someone tries to become the President of the United States. They share their ideas and plans with people to get their support and votes.
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