To be confirmed as health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can afford to lose no more than three Republican votes if all Democrats are united in their opposition to him.
The Iowa Republicanβs decision dramatically increases the likelihood that Mr. Hegseth will have enough votes to be confirmed as President-elect Donald J. Trumpβs defense secretary.
President-elect Donald J. Trumpβs pick for defense secretary had a more amicable exchange with Joni Ernst, a Republican, who is considered a key vote.