What were the key themes and concerns surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as HHS Secretary?

The confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary centered around two primary themes. The first was his "Making America Healthy Again" initiative, which garnered broad bipartisan support and echoed previous public health campaigns like Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" program. This focus on improving health outcomes while addressing the high cost of healthcare resonated with many lawmakers. However, the critical issue that became the "linchpin" of his confirmation was Kennedy's controversial stance on vaccines. Despite the general support for his health improvement goals, his vaccine positions created significant concern and division within the Senate. The confirmation hearings revealed the tension between Kennedy's public health commitments and his vaccine skepticism, highlighting the complex balance lawmakers faced in weighing his overall healthcare vision against specific policy concerns.