Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are staring down crucial tests on Tuesday as Senate committees will decide whether to advance their nominations to the floor amid increasing pressure from allies of President Trump.
The pair of contentious nominees are facing key panel votes that will determine the future of Trump’s picks to lead the U.S. intelligence apparatus and the Department of Health and Human Services, respectively.
The votes will come just days after each had perilous moments during their confirmation hearings that appeared to raise fresh doubts among GOP lawmakers.
The Senate Finance Committee will vote Tuesday morning on Kennedy, while the Intelligence panel is expected to do so behind closed doors for Gabbard in the afternoon.
“I think [they’re] both going to be fine,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a top ally of Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).
“I was very confident in [Kennedy] throughout the process. … I said we had work to do with Tulsi. Tulsi’s done the work and I feel good where we’re at.”