The U.S. Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary Thursday, handing him control of 13 federal agencies, including the CDC, FDA and National Institutes of Health, and oversight over Medicare and Medicaid. Democrats repeatedly warned against RFK Jr.’s confirmation, citing his espousal of vaccine conspiracy theories, including one linking vaccines to autism.

The only Republican to vote against Kennedy was Senator Mitch McConnell, a survivor of polio. He said, “I will not condone the re-litigation of proven cures.” Trump later attacked McConnell and cast doubt on whether McConnell ever had polio.
RFK Jr. will control nearly $2 trillion in health spending. After his confirmation, RFK Jr. said he expects major staffing cuts at federal health agencies.

On the same day as Kennedy’s confirmation, Louisiana’s top health official announced that the state would no longer promote mass vaccination.