Special Poll
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) has called for President-elect Donald Trump’s health administration appointees to undergo “extensive committee investigations” as part of the Senate’s confirmation process. Collins emphasized the importance of maintaining the traditional vetting process, warning against the possibility of Trump bypassing Senate confirmation in favor of recess appointments. Speaking at an Axios event focused on the future of cognitive care, she expressed concern that skipping these steps would undermine the Senate’s constitutional responsibility to provide advice and consent.
Collins elaborated that proper vetting involves comprehensive background checks, detailed committee investigations, questionnaires, and public hearings. She also raised concerns about the potential for upheaval at critical agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to Trump’s health administration picks. She linked these concerns to the need for increased federal funding for research into Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive care initiatives.
Among Trump’s controversial health-related appointments is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, who has been chosen to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. This role would give Kennedy significant influence over an agency that oversees a quarter of the federal budget. Additionally, Trump has nominated Mehmet Oz, known primarily as a television personality, to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Critics have pointed out that Oz lacks experience managing large government organizations, raising further questions about his qualifications.
The Senate Finance Committee, which is responsible for confirming the HHS secretary, will review Kennedy’s nomination. However, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, where Collins serves, will also play a role in holding hearings. Mehmet Oz’s nomination will similarly go before the HELP Committee for confirmation proceedings. Incoming HELP chair Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has expressed interest in learning more about Kennedy’s policy positions and praised his advocacy for healthier food options and transparency in public health.
Collins has not yet taken a position on Kennedy’s nomination, stating she would need more information before making a decision. Cassidy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of speaking directly with nominees before forming an opinion.
The broader debate over Trump’s potential use of recess appointments highlights tensions between the incoming administration and Senate Republicans. While some, including incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), have signaled openness to the idea, others, like outgoing Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), remain opposed. This divide underscores the ongoing struggle between upholding Senate procedures and accommodating the president-elect’s unconventional approach to governance.