Collins challenges Trump’s health agency appointment choices
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Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins is pushing for thorough committee investigations into President-elect Donald Trump’s health agency nominees.
Trump recently named Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his choice for Health and Human Services Secretary, aiming to replace current Secretary Xavier Becerra, who secured his position in March 2021 with Collins being the sole Republican supporter in a 50-49 vote.
The HHS oversees several crucial agencies, including the CDC, FDA, CMS, and NIH.
“Not one of the seventy-two vaccines mandated for children has ever been safety tested in pre-licensing placebo-controlled trials. Not one!”-RFK Jr. pic.twitter.com/pH9uY5yNxl
— Dr. Ben Tapper (@DrBenTapper1) November 16, 2024
In a related announcement, Trump selected Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Speaking to Axios, Collins emphasized that the Senate’s constitutional role requires thorough vetting, including background checks, committee investigations, and public hearings. She expressed opposition to recess appointments, viewing them as circumventing the Senate’s constitutional obligations.
Trump addressed the matter on Truth Social on Nov. 10, stating, “Any Republican Senator seeking the coveted LEADERSHIP position in the United States Senate must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner.”
“Sometimes the votes can take two years, or more,” he continued. “This is what they did four years ago, and we cannot let it happen again. We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!”
The Constitution’s Article II, Section 2 allows presidents to fill vacancies during Senate recesses. Historical practice requires a minimum 10-day recess period for such appointments.
Previous presidents have utilized recess appointments extensively: Bill Clinton made 139, George W. Bush 171, and Barack Obama 32. Bush notably appointed John Bolton as UN ambassador through this method in 2005 after facing opposition.
Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune recently indicated openness to recess appointments, telling Fox News that “all options are on the table.” He expressed hope for swift confirmation hearings starting in January but acknowledged potential Democratic resistance.
Republican Maine Senator Susan Collins calls for an “extensive” investigation into Matt Gaetz, says she was “shocked” when he was nominated.
This is the same woman who voted against Amy Coney Barrett, but for Kentaji Brown Jackson. pic.twitter.com/flzPv7ZXCz
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) November 21, 2024
Axios reports that Collins and Senator Lisa Murkowski could present challenges for approving certain Trump nominees.
Both senators previously supported Rachel Levine’s confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services but oppose Matt Gaetz’s nomination for Attorney General, citing concerns about his qualifications.
