RFK Jr confirmation
Not only is this man a danger to have in this position but Democrats should be taking every opportunity to hold up these processes and leverage votes to stop the Trump administration from running amuck. We've endured 2 weeks of EOs and Musk tampering and continued confirmations of unqualified and dangerous cabinet nominees. This must stop and that falls to you all
Dear Mrs. Wert,
Thank you for contacting me regarding your views on President Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
As you may know, the presidential appointee confirmation process is set out in Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. As your U.S. Senator, I proudly swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, and I take the Senators' responsibility to advise and consent to nominees seriously. I am dedicated to ensuring the Senate follows the confirmation process as set out in the Constitution.
Ensuring the health and safety of Georgians is my top priority. It is also important to me that every person, no matter their race, gender, creed, or socioeconomic status, has access to quality and affordable health care. The mission of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans. The Secretary of HHS oversees federal health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, public health efforts, and more. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which I am proud to have in Georgia, is a critical sub-agency within HHS that employs over 10,000 Georgians. The CDC plays an important role in keeping Georgians and the country safe from public health threats and infectious diseases.
On January 29, 2024, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. testified before the Senate Finance Committee, of which I am a member. During this hearing, I asked Mr. Kennedy about his past statements regarding the CDC, public health information, and affordable health care for Georgians. To view our exchange, you may visit here: https://www.warnock.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-reverend-warnock-to-vote-against-kennedy-leading-americas-health-care-system-following-concerning-nomination-hearing/ . On February 13, 2025, the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be the Secretary of HHS, and I opposed his nomination.
While I did not support this nominee, know that I will continue working with my colleagues to improve access to quality, affordable care, support our dedicated health care workforce, and bolster the public health infrastructure. No matter our difference of opinion on this matter or others, I am committed to being a voice for you and our state in the United States Senate and will work tirelessly to improve the lives of all Georgians.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to do so again in the future if I may be of assistance to you or your family.
Sincerely,
Reverend Raphael Warnock
United States Senator