Why did Mitch McConnell voted against RFK Jr. For HHS HEAD: Shots

Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Is a polio survivor in childhood and against Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who heads the Department of Health and Human Services.

J. Scott AppleWhite/AP

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J. Scott AppleWhite/AP

In a party line voice, zero Democrats and 52 Republicans voted in the Senate Thursday to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As the new head of the Department of Health and Human Services. Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was the only Republican to oppose President Trump’s nominees.

Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., A Doctor and President of Senate Health CommitteeWas originally hesitant but changed last week after promises Kennedy made him.

The 82-year-old McConnell who has worked in the Senate since 1985 and is the longest -serving party leader in that organAt recovered from polio When he was 4. He still goes with a limp and suffers from health problems related to the disease.

He got the disease in 1944 before the vaccine was available and experienced paralysis in his left leg. Immunization campaigns that start in the 1950s eventually Eliminated scourge in the United States

Under the covid pandemic McConnell was a follower of the vaccine And push to develop treatments and tell Associated Press that the moment reminded him of fear of polio in his childhood.

He Issued one declaration Thursday at Kennedy’s nomination, explaining his views in sharp terms:

“I am a survivor of childhood polio. In my lifetime, I have seen vaccines save millions of lives from devastating diseases all over America and all over the world. I don’t want to condolence the resurrection of witnessed couriers, nor will millions of Americans credit their Survival and quality of life for scientific miracles.

“Individuals, parents and families have the right to push for a healthier nation and demand the best possible scientific guidance on the prevention and treatment of illness. But a list of trade in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroded confidence in public health institutions does not give Mr. Kennedy to lead these important endeavors.

“This administration-led by the same president who provided a medical miracle with Project Warp-speed-deserves a leader who is willing to, without recognizing without the qualifying of the effectiveness of life-saving vaccines, and which can demonstrate an understanding of basic elements of the US health system Kennedy could not prove that he is the best possible person to lead America’s biggest health agency.

McConnell was also the only Republican Senator to voted against Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, and he voted against Pete Hegeth for Defense Secretary.