Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cleared a crucial hurdle for confirmation as Health and Human Services secretary. Here's what happens next in the Senate

Kyra Kennedy, 29, is the youngest daughter of health secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Kennedy’s nomination has faced myriad concerns from both parties, with Republicans particularly eying his past support for abortion, his record suing big business as an environmental lawyer and his 2023 run for president as a Democrat.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the controversial environmental lawyer turned public health critic, is set to find out on Tuesday if he has cleared the first hurdle to become the nation’s top health official when the Senate Finance Committee votes on his nomination.

Kennedy Jr. , a vocal vaccine skeptic and activist lawyer, appeared on track to become the nation’s health secretary after winning the crucial support of Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a doctor who says Kennedy has assured him he would not topple the nation’s childhood vaccination program.

A key Senate committee supports Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services. The full Senate will vote on his nomination.

Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy has a history of bucking political pressure and has expressed wariness over Kennedy's anti-vaccine views.

All eyes were on Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and longtime doctor who expressed deep concern about Kennedy's history of anti-vaccine comments.