Luna Sounds Alarm On Corporate Efforts To Block Kennedy’s HHS Nomination

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) is warning that corporate interests tied to the food and agriculture industries are working to undermine Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary under President Donald Trump. Luna argues these industries profit from unhealthy products and are pressuring lawmakers to oppose Kennedy’s nomination.

The Senate Finance Committee is set to hold its hearing on Kennedy’s nomination Wednesday, followed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing Thursday. While both committees will review his qualifications, only the finance committee will decide whether his nomination proceeds to a full Senate vote.

Several Republican senators have yet to take a clear stance on Kennedy’s confirmation. Among them are Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Todd Young of Indiana and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Cassidy has voiced concerns over Kennedy’s position on vaccines but has recognized his efforts to address chronic health issues. Young’s staff described his meeting with Kennedy as positive, while Tillis has yet to confirm his support.

Luna believes rejecting Kennedy’s nomination would go against Trump’s commitment to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which seeks to promote healthier food options. She warns that GOP senators who vote against Kennedy risk alienating voters who support stronger food safety regulations.

GOP senators such as Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky are considered potential hurdles to Kennedy’s confirmation. If just a few Republicans join Democrats in opposing him, Kennedy’s nomination could be in jeopardy.

In addition to vaccine-related concerns, Kennedy’s views on agricultural regulations have sparked opposition within the farming industry. The finance committee is expected to vote on his nomination in the weeks following the hearings.