WASHINGTON, D.C. — Both West Virginia U.S. senators voted Thursday to confirm Robert Kennedy Jr. to be secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy was confirmed on a 52-48 vote.
“Coming from a state whose residents live with the impact of chronic diseases more than most, I agree with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that we need to Make America Healthy Again,” U.S Senator Shelley Moore Capito said in a statement released by her office. “As the chairman of the subcommittee responsible for funding HHS, I will work closely with Secretary Kennedy to make sure West Virginia’s priorities are considered,” Senator Capito said. “Secretary Kennedy understands the unique health care challenges of rural America and the need to balance embracing new ideas with what has been proven successful in the past. I look forward to working with him to combat the drug crisis in West Virginia and across the country, make the foods we are eating healthier, improve the transparency of our health care systems, and deliver better health care to more Americans.”
U.S. Senator Jim Justice also voted in favor of confirmation.
“Robert Kennedy Jr. will bring much needed reform to the Health and Human Services Department. He cares deeply about the well-being of Americans and wants to make sure Americans and West Virginians are living their healthiest lives,” Justice said. “I’m proud to stand with President Trump and support Robert Kennedy Jr. and his mission to Make America Healthy Again.”
Former federal prosecutor and current state Senator Mike Stuart, R-Kanawha, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to be the general counsel for HHS.
“I am truly humbled by this extraordinary opportunity. I fully appreciate that it comes with immense responsibility,” Stuart said. “I approach this great honor with a deep sense of purpose to support and help President Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the dedicated people of DHHS to meet the historic and exciting challenge to Make America Great Again and Healthy Again.”
Stuart will also need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.