Kennedy in New York City on Saturday. Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Key Republican senators are noncommittal on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for HHS secretary, with some saying they want to learn more about his views on abortion or are waiting to meet in person to suss out other matters.
Why it matters: The unorthodox nomination of the vaccine critic hasn't to date revealed any cracks in the GOP ranks. But concerns exist about Kennedy's past support for abortion rights.
What they're saying: "You need to speak to the person who you're considering before you make up your mind," the HELP Committee's top Republican, Bill Cassidy, said when asked for his thoughts on the nomination.
- Asked specifically whether he was concerned about Kennedy's history of pursuing the misleading claim that childhood vaccines are linked to autism, Cassidy repeated that he wanted to speak to him.
- Sen. Susan Collins, frequently a key swing vote, told Axios she has not taken a position on the nomination.
- "I'm a member of the HELP Committee, and I look forward to interviewing him and questioning him during the hearing," she added.
Between the lines: Kennedy's views on abortion have already led former Vice President Mike Pence to call on senators to oppose the nomination.
- Sen. James Lankford, a prominent abortion rights foe, told reporters he has "a lot of questions" he wants to go through with Kennedy.
- He said he wanted to ensure that HHS at a minimum implements the abortion policies from Trump's first term, including conscience protections that allowed health workers to opt out of participating in elective abortion procedures.
Kennedy's focus on healthful foods drew some praise from other senators.
- "I don't know enough about his background," said Sen. Todd Young. "There's positive things, I'm already prepared to say, his emphasis on social determinants of health and wellness and healthy foods are things I've cared about and I know so many of my constituents have cared about for a lot of years."
- On Kennedy's "more publicized positions," Young said: "His positions are more nuanced, so I need to learn more."
The bottom line: Many Republicans are giving deference to President-elect Trump's choices.
- "My working assumption is that I'll support all the president's nominees," said Sen. Josh Hawley.
Caitlin Owens and Victoria Knight contributed reporting.
