Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary faces a critical juncture as the Senate Finance Committee prepares to vote on his confirmation. The committee's decision, scheduled for Tuesday morning, follows Kennedy's confirmation hearing last week. A majority vote from the 27-member committee – comprised of 14 Republicans and 13 Democrats – is required for Kennedy to advance.

Kennedy, President Trump's nominee, will likely require the support of all Republican committee members, given the lack of public support from Democratic senators. While he has secured the backing of two Republicans, Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), the vote of Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) remains uncertain due to concerns over Kennedy's stance on vaccines. Kennedy and Cassidy engaged in discussions over the weekend, although the specifics of their conversation remain undisclosed.

Should Kennedy fail to secure committee approval, his nomination is unlikely to proceed to a full Senate vote. This would mark an unprecedented hurdle for a Trump nominee during this term, as previous selections have navigated the Senate process, with several already confirmed and sworn in, including the controversial Defense Secretary pick, Pete Hegseth. Coincidentally, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), also faces a potential committee roadblock on the same day.