Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cleared a crucial hurdle for confirmation as Health and Human Services secretary. Here's what happens next in the Senate

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cleared his first hurdle to become the nation’s top health official as the Senate finance committee voted to advance his nomination for a floor vote.

Kennedy Jr. is one step closer to becoming the country's top health official, scoring enough votes from the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday, Jan. 4 to advance his nomination to the full Senate. During his tumultuous confirmation hearing,

If approved, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.

Kennedy Jr. , a vocal vaccine skeptic and activist lawyer, appeared on track to become the nation’s health secretary after winning the crucial support of Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a doctor who says Kennedy has assured him he would not topple the nation’s childhood vaccination program.

Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor who had expressed wariness about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine views, cleared the path on Tuesday for Kennedy to become the top health official in President Donald Trump's administration.