WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., joined fellow Republicans this week to bolster enough support to confirm President Donald Trump’s most controversial nominees so far – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard.
Britt and Tuberville enthusiastically voted for Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services Thursday.
“Moms that don’t typically pay attention to what we do up here feel like he is the only person that is willing to take on the hard things that will actually create a healthier environment for our kids,” Britt said.
Tuberville said in an X post that Kennedy will “bring transparency to our vaccines, food, and health care.”
Congratulations to my friend @RobertKennedyJr on your confirmation to lead HHS.
Now, it’s time to bring transparency to our vaccines, food, and health care.
The Senate MAHA Caucus is excited to work with you. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/kn8IAU7OFY
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) February 13, 2025
Kennedy is an environmental lawyer who has pushed conspiracy theories and said vaccines cause autism. Republican senators who expressed concerns about his nomination because of his vaccine views ultimately voted for him except for Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-KY, who joined Democrats to oppose Kennedy. The vote was 52-48.
“We must turn the tide on America’s health crisis—both mental and physical—and work together to Make America Healthy Again,” Britt said in a statement.
Britt and Tuberville also confirmed Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence Wednesday. Gabbard, a veteran and former Democrat representative, was a controversial pick because of her past comments on Russia and previous support of federal whistleblower Edward Snowden. All Senate Republicans except for McConnell also fell in line with her confirmation this week. The vote was 52-48.
“I have faith in Director Gabbard’s ability to ensure the intelligence community is focused on its true mission by making key reforms that take biased bureaucracy out of national security,” Britt said in a statement. “She will be a key player in achieving President Trump’s Peace Through Strength doctrine.”
Tuberville said in a floor speech last month that attacks on Gabbard’s loyalty to the United States were “disgusting.” He said he was confident in her ability to lead the intelligence community.
“I have no doubt she will keep our country secure while protecting the Constitution and the constitutional rights of all Americans,” Tuberville said.
Britt also voted to confirm Kash Patel, FBI director nominee, in the Senate Judiciary Committee vote Thursday. He advanced out of the committee on party lines and a vote could happen in the full Senate as early as next week. Britt and Tuberville have shown their support for him from the start of his nomination.
The Senate also confirmed Brooke Rollins as Agriculture Secretary Thursday with a bipartisan vote of 72-28. The Senate has now confirmed 16 of President Donald Trump’s nominees.