RFK Jr's Nomination Blocked

The conservative group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence is urging senators to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary due to his past support for abortion rights.

In a letter to Senate members, Advancing American Freedom President Tim Chapman and Board Chairman Marc Short emphasized that an HHS Secretary must be steadfast in protecting the unborn. They argue that while Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again initiative may have merits, a nominee for such an important position must show unwavering commitment to pro-life values.

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“An HHS Secretary must have a firm commitment to protect unborn children or risk compromising on critical decisions that impact their lives,” Chapman and Short wrote. They also questioned Kennedy’s sincerity in his efforts to engage with pro-life leaders, noting that there is little reason to place trust in his stance on the issue.

This marks the second attempt by Pence and his organization to block Kennedy’s confirmation. After former President Donald Trump announced Kennedy’s nomination, Pence immediately voiced his opposition, citing Kennedy’s previous support for abortion rights as a key reason for senators to reject his candidacy.

Kennedy, who began his presidential campaign as a Democrat, initially expressed support for a ban on abortion after the first trimester. However, he quickly backtracked and later stated he opposed banning abortion prior to fetal viability, generally considered to be around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

On his campaign website, Kennedy reaffirmed his support for the principles established in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, pledging to support legislation to protect abortion rights if the courts do not overturn the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling.

Despite his past positions, many GOP senators have been open to Kennedy's nomination. After meeting with him, they have largely expressed their support, with Kennedy seeking to reassure Republicans by claiming his personal views on abortion will not interfere with his implementation of anti-abortion policies. He has committed to enacting the pro-life policies from the first Trump administration if confirmed.

Kennedy's stance on abortion aligns with President-elect Trump’s position that abortion access should be determined by individual states. However, Pence, a staunch religious conservative, has expressed occasional criticism of Trump’s policy, particularly on abortion, calling Trump’s position a “slap in the face” to pro-life advocates.

As the confirmation process continues, all eyes are on the Senate as they weigh the potential impact of Kennedy’s past views on abortion and his ability to serve as HHS Secretary in line with the Trump administration’s policies.