February 7, 2025

Senate committees advance RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard nominations  

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Just over two weeks into President Donald Trump’s second term, senators have confirmed about half of his cabinet picks, with more movement Tuesday.

With a 77-23 vote, the Senate confirmed former Georgia Rep. Doug Collins to lead the Veterans Affairs Department. 

Attorney General pick Pam Bondi could be next, according to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). 

“Pam Bondi has promised to get the department back to its core mission: prosecuting crime and protecting Americans,” Thune said. 

Despite Democratic opposition, RFK Jr. is moving forward in the process to lead the Health and Human Services Department. 

“He is singularly unfit,” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said. 

With no votes from Democrats, Kennedy advanced out of committee Tuesday. 

“The vote was 14-13,” Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) said.

Idaho Republican Sen. Mike Crapo says Kennedy will bring needed change to Americans’ health care. 

“He has spent his career fighting to end America’s chronic illness epidemic,” Crapo said. 

Democrats like Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden say his views on vaccines are dangerous. 

“Peddling these conspiracy theories as the nation’s chief health officer is going to be deadly,” Wyden said. 

Director of National Intelligence pick Tulsi Gabbard also got the greenlight in committee. Both she and Kennedy next face full Senate votes. 

Other nominees expected to face scrutiny include Education Secretary nominee and former WWE CEO Linda McMahon.

Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen said he doesn’t think she’s qualified. 

“I’m trying to figure out what her background has been in education, and you need to search far and wide, and even after you do that, you’re not going to find anything,” Van Hollen said. 

The Senate has not yet scheduled a hearing for McMahon.

Nominees can afford to lose just three Republicans to get confirmed. 

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