Kyra Kennedy, 29, is the youngest daughter of health secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s path to become the next secretary of health and human services improved considerably today, as his nomination cleared a key Senate committee and he won the support of a Republican holdout on another.

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,

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.

Related: Caroline Kennedy Issues Chilling Warning About RFK Jr.'s Appointment. Up until he was named as Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services Department

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.