If you've been doom-scrolling or refreshing C-SPAN to figure out when will senate vote on rfk jr, you might actually be looking for a date that has already come and gone. It’s a bit of a whirlwind.
The U.S. Senate officially voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on February 13, 2025.
Honestly, the drama leading up to it made it feel like it would take years. But in the end, the Republican majority moved quite fast to get him into the driver’s seat of the nation's health apparatus. He was sworn in that same afternoon by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.
The Final Vote Count and How It Went Down
The confirmation wasn't exactly a landslide. It was tight. The final tally was 52-48.
If you look at the roll call, it was almost perfectly split down party lines. All 45 Democrats and both Independents who caucus with them voted "Nay." On the Republican side, things were almost unified, but not quite. The most notable "No" vote came from Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. McConnell, a polio survivor, was pretty vocal about his concerns regarding Kennedy’s history with vaccine skepticism. He basically said Kennedy hadn't proven he was the right fit for the job.
But for the rest of the GOP, the narrative was different. Even "moderate" voices like Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska eventually hopped on board. They cited "serious commitments" from the administration as their reason for the green light.
Why the Delay in Public Perception?
A lot of people are still asking when the vote is because the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement is currently in full swing in 2026. Because Kennedy is constantly in the headlines—whether it's about fluoride in water, seed oils, or NIH restructuring—it feels like the "battle" for his spot is still happening.
But legally? He’s been in the office for nearly a year.
The process moved through two main committees before the final floor vote:
- Senate Finance Committee: They held their hearing on January 29, 2025. This is where they grilled him on Medicaid and the "business" side of health.
- Senate HELP Committee: The Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee had their turn on January 30, 2025. This was the "fireworks" hearing where the focus was on public health policy and science.
What the Hearings Revealed
During those sessions, Kennedy laid out what he called "radical transparency." He didn't shy away from his controversial reputation. Instead, he leaned into it. He talked about:
💡 You might also like: Kids in Cages: What Really Happened During the Trump Administration
- Chronic Disease: He labeled it the biggest threat to the U.S. economy.
- PBMs: He promised to go after Pharmacy Benefit Managers to lower drug costs.
- Food Safety: A massive focus on getting additives out of the American diet.
He also made some waves by suggesting the use of "AI nurses" to help with the rural healthcare shortage. It sounded like sci-fi to some, but to his supporters, it was the kind of "disruptive" thinking they voted for.
The Aftermath of the Confirmation
Since that February 13 vote, the Senate hasn't just walked away. They’ve been busy. As recently as mid-2025, Secretary Kennedy was back on Capitol Hill testifying about the Fiscal Year 2026 HHS Budget.
In early 2026, the Senate HELP committee is still very much engaged with his department. For instance, just this week, they’ve been discussing bills related to rural hospital cybersecurity and maternal health—all areas where Kennedy’s HHS has to execute the law.
The tension hasn't disappeared. Senator Bernie Sanders, who is the Ranking Member of the HELP committee, has continued to release reports criticizing the administration's approach to health and free speech. It’s a constant tug-of-war.
Practical Insights for Tracking Cabinet Actions
If you’re trying to stay updated on what Kennedy is actually doing now that the vote is over, you shouldn't look at the "Executive Calendar" for his name anymore. He’s no longer a "nominee." He is the Secretary.
- Check the HHS Press Room: This is where the actual policy changes (like the recent push to protect children from certain medical procedures) are announced.
- Follow the HELP Committee Schedule: If you want to see him get questioned by Senators again, wait for the next budget hearing.
- Congressional Record: If you're a nerd for the details, search for "PN11-8" on Congress.gov to see the full historical record of his nomination.
The "when will senate vote on rfk jr" question is technically a matter of history now. The focus has shifted entirely from if he will lead to how he is leading.
Actionable Next Steps:
To see exactly how your specific state representatives voted on that historic day, you can view the official Roll Call Vote No. 52 on the Senate’s legislative website. This will show you exactly who supported or opposed the appointment, which is useful info to have before the next election cycle. If you're interested in the current policy shifts, keep an eye on the Federal Register, where his department’s new rules are officially published for public comment.