An organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence is lobbying Republican senators to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services, citing his past support for abortion. Pence’s group argues that the HHS Secretary must be firmly pro-life, questioning Kennedy’s commitment despite his reassurances to pro-life leaders.
Kennedy, initially a Democrat, has faced criticism for his shifting stance on abortion. While he endorsed a first-trimester abortion ban, he later opposed banning abortion before fetal viability and expressed support for Roe v. Wade. Despite this, many GOP senators have expressed support for Kennedy, trusting his commitment to anti-abortion policies under Trump’s administration.
This marks the second effort by Pence’s group to block Kennedy’s confirmation. However, Senator JD Vance has defended Trump’s right to choose his Cabinet, arguing that Senate Republicans should not block nominees over one policy disagreement. Vance believes Kennedy and other controversial nominees will ultimately be confirmed.
Vance emphasized that Trump’s mandate came from a broad coalition, and Republicans must support his Cabinet choices to give all parts of the coalition a voice in the administration.
