Trump team ‘confident’ Senate Republicans will approve cabinet selections
President-elect Trump’s team is confident that Senate Republicans will approve his cabinet selection – despite some of the picks raising eyebrows from Republicans and Democrats alike. A Trump transition official confirmed to Fox News that the president-elect is “confident that Senate Republicans will hold the line.” “President Trump is confident that Senate Republicans will hold the line and respect the will of the American people by approving his cabinet nominees,” the official said. The official said that Trump is “very happy” with the vice president-elect, saying that Vance is “laser focused on already getting the ball rolling on his highly-qualified nominees.” TRUMP PICKING CABINET AT BREAKNECK SPEED COMPARED TO 2016 Trump’s nominees and administration picks during his second administration are being publicly announced at a much faster pace than during his first administration in 2016, which the transition team attributed to Trump’s commitment to putting “America first.” “The American people re-elected President Trump by a resounding margin, giving him a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, and his Cabinet picks reflect his priority to put America First. President Trump will continue to appoint highly qualified men and women who have the talent, experience and necessary skill sets to Make America Great Again,” Trump-Vance transition spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt previously told Fox News Digital when asked about Trump’s speedy rollout of Cabinet picks. WATCH: Trump’s most contentious choice so far has been Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., for attorney general. The pick came as a surprise to many since the firebrand does not have any prior law enforcement experience and faces misconduct allegations. Gaetz was under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which subpoenaed him as recently as September for an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual misconduct with a minor. LOYALTY MATTERS: TRUMP PICKS ALLIES AND SUPPORTERS TO FILL OUT HIS ADMINISTRATION Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and had told the panel he would “no longer voluntarily participate” in its probe. Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly after Trump made the announcement. On Wednesday, Vance and Gaetz were spotted leaving the Capitol. A source familiar previously told Fox News Digital that Gaetz is “working the phones” to address concerns from GOP senators ahead of his confirmation hearings next year. He is also making the rounds with Vance on Capitol Hill to meet with senators directly. “The meetings have been productive with AG nominee Gaetz listening to senators’ thoughts on the role of the DOJ and the confirmation process. Gaetz is looking forward to meeting with more senators throughout this process on the Hill,” a Trump transition official told Fox News Digital. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment. Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton and Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.
Senate rejects Bernie Sanders’ effort to block weapons sales to Israel
An effort by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to block certain U.S. weapons sales to Israel was overwhelmingly rejected by the U.S. Senate Wednesday evening. Sanders’ joint resolution of disapproval, which was supported by Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md.; Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore.; and Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., intended to stop the White House’s latest arms sales to the Israeli military. An effort to block the sales of tank rounds to Israel was voted down 79-18, and a measure intending to block mortar round shipments was rejected 78-19. Speaking on the Senate floor, Sanders claimed the Israeli government is controlled “not only by right-wing extremists, but by religious zealots.” “It is time to tell the Netanyahu government that they cannot use U.S. taxpayer dollars and American weapons in violation of U.S. and international law and our moral values despite receiving $18 billion from U.S. taxpayers in the last year,” Sanders said. ‘CHEERLEADING FOR TERRORISM’: TWITCH STAR CALLED FOR NEW 9/11, DISMISSED HORROR OF OCT 7 “And being the largest historical recipient of U.S. foreign aid, the Netanyahu government has completely ignored the repeated requests of President Biden and the U.S. government.” The 83-year-old politician also decried living conditions in Gaza during his speech. “Right now, there is raw sewage running through the streets of Gaza, and it is very difficult for the people there to obtain clean drinking water,” Sanders said. “Every one of Gaza’s 12 universities has been bombed … as have many hundreds of schools. For 13 months, there has been no electricity in Gaza. ISRAELI OFFICIAL PRAISES STEFANIK AS UN PICK, SAYS HER ‘MORAL CLARITY’ WILL COMBAT BODY’S ‘HATE AND LIES’ “As I have said many, many times, Israel had the absolute right to respond to that horrific Hamas attack as any other country would,” Sanders concluded. “I don’t think anybody here in the United States Senate disagrees with that. But Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extremist government has not simply waged war against Hamas. It has waged an all-out war against the Palestinian people.” Despite the vote, Sanders’ effort was not wholly unpopular. Earlier this week, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., signaled support for the Vermont Independent’s proposal. “The failure by the Biden administration to follow U.S. law and to suspend arms shipments is a grave mistake that undermines American credibility worldwide,” Warren said in a statement to The Guardian. “If this administration will not act, Congress must step up to enforce U.S. law and hold the Netanyahu government accountable through a joint resolution of disapproval.” Fox News Digital’s Jessica Sonkin and Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.
Trump-district House Democrat loses Alaska seat to political scion
Conservative Republican Nick Begich has won a tight race for Alaska’s lone seat in the House of Representatives, according to the Associated Press. Begich defeated his main rival, Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, the first Native Alaskan in Congress, and one of only five House Democrats currently representing a district won by President-elect Trump in 2020. The win widens the Republican majority in the House to 219 and 213 for Democrats. SPEAKER JOHNSON RIPS ‘LACK OF LEADERSHIP’ IN BIDEN ADMIN’S HELENE RESPONSE: ‘ALARMED AND DISAPPOINTED’ The GOP candidate is no stranger to politics, having been born into a prominent political family in Alaska – made up of mostly Democrats. His grandfather, Nick Begich, Sr., was an Alaska congressman, before mysteriously disappearing on a flight and being pronounced dead in 1972. His uncle, Mark Begich, was a U.S. senator for Alaska from 2009 to 2015. The other two hopefuls in the race were Alaska Independence Party candidate John Wayne Howe and Democratic candidate Eric Hafner. In a statement, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) congratulated Begich for his “resounding victory.” “Congratulations to Congressman-elect Nick Begich on his resounding victory,” NRCC Spokesperson Ben Petersen said in a statement. “Alaskans just sent an America First fighter to drain the swamp and stop the liberal war on Alaska, and Congressman-elect Begich will deliver.” HERITAGE FOUNDATION SUES DHS FOR DOCUMENTS THAT SAY ‘HARRIS’ AND ‘BORDER CZAR’ Alaska is one of only two states to use ranked-choice voting in federal elections, something that benefited Peltola in 2022, when Begich and former Gov. Sarah Palin knocked each other out of the running by splitting the Republican vote. Republicans took a lesson from that defeat, however, and instead, coalesced around Begich earlier in the race. CLUB FOR GROWTH POURS $5M INTO TIGHT HOUSE RACES AS GOP BRACES FOR TOUGH ELECTION Alaska has just one House seat given its modest population compared to more densely packed states. It is also one of only two states to use ranked-choice voting in its federal elections. Peltola won her seat in a special election following the sudden death of longtime Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, in 2022. Young’s daughters and several former staffers endorsed Peltola for re-election in the November race later that year. The moderate Democrat has been known to break from her party on certain climate and energy issues, among others. Begich’s victory is a much-needed win for House Republicans who have fought tooth-and-nail to retain and even expand their majority. He was added to the House GOP campaign arm’s “Young Guns” list in August of this year, giving him access to National Republican Congressional Committee resources, support, and advisement. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.
Trump picks former congressman Pete Hoekstra to be ambassador to Canada
President-elect Trump chose former ambassador and Rep. Pete Hoekstra for his pick for the U.S. ambassador to Canada. “Pete is well-respected in the Great State of Michigan – A State we won sizably. He represented Michigan’s 2nd District in Congress for nearly 20 years, where he was also Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, and was a great help to our Campaign as Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party,” Trump wrote in a Wednesday evening release. Trump said that Hoekstra would help the president-elect’s “American First” agenda. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” he wrote. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role. Thank you, Pete!” GET TO KNOW DONALD TRUMP’S CABINET: WHO HAS THE PRESIDENT-ELECT PICKED SO FAR? Hoekstra was the U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump’s first term. Prior to his ambassadorship, he served 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the 2nd District of Michigan, and served as chairman and ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. Trump’s pick of Hoekstra on Wednesday came after he tapped former Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to become U.S. ambassador to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in his new administration.
Opponents of failed California measure to raise minimum wage say voters ‘made the right call’
Opponents of a defeated California ballot measure to raise the state’s minimum wage said voters made the right call in pushing back against a proposal that would otherwise have resulted in higher inflation. Proposition 32, which would have raised California’s minimum wage to $18 per hour, was narrowly beaten back as only 49.2% of voters supported the proposed hike. The current minimum wage in the state is $16 per hour. Fast-food restaurants with 60 or more locations are already mandated to pay their employees at least $20 per hour. NEWSOM: CRITICS SAID CA WAGE INCREASE WOULD BE A JOB-KILLER; THE OPPOSITE HAPPENED “Basic economics shows that raising the minimum wage ultimately drives up inflation and unemployment, predictably hurting workers and families,” Republican State Sen. Brian Jones, the upper chamber’s minority leader, told Fox News Digital. “More inflation and higher costs are the last things we need right now. Californians made the right call to reject Prop 32 and protect financial stability.” Business groups, including the California Chamber of Commerce, California Restaurant Association and California Grocers Association opposed the measure, saying high labor costs would hurt small businesses. Chamber of Commerce CEO Jennifer Barrera told The Associated Press that the economy and personal costs were top of mind in the election, a message that resonated with the voters. John Kabateck, the California director for the National Federation of Independent Business, said minimum wage hikes amid a period of inflation would have added to the current economic woes many residents already face. “At the end of the day, this really came down to affordability for Californians already struggling,” Kabateck told Fox News Digital. “People realized a higher minimum wage was not going to make their bad situation that much better.” TOP REPUBLICANS WARN NEWSOM HIS OIL REFINING PHASE-OUT ENDANGERS MILITARY READINESS Prop 32 was authored by startup entrepreneur Joseph Sanberg, an anti-poverty advocate and major investor in Blue Apron, the ingredient-and-recipe meal kit company. “The time is now, because the pandemic has heightened the people’s understanding of the realities so many Californians face,” Sanberg said in his official ballot argument. “Cost of living is rising faster and faster… but wages haven’t increased commensurately.” Fox News Digital has reached out to Sanberg and various trade groups. Sanberg was heavily involved in spearheading Prop 32. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Jones called the measure a failed “publicity stunt” hatched by Sanberg that was part of “his pattern of misleading Californians.” “Known for posing as an environmentalist while facing scrutiny for dubious claims, Sanberg shifted tactics by pushing a minimum wage hike and falsely branding himself as a champion of the working class,” he said. “Californians saw through his deception and rightly rejected his Prop 32 that would have decimated our economy.” Kabateck said policymakers in Sacremento didn’t seem to be in touch with small business owners and voters struggling to get by. “At the end of the day, who doesn’t want a few dollars in their pocket? But at what cost?” he said.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer heading to Mar-a-Lago after being floated for Labor Secretary: sources
A House Republican whose name has been floated for Secretary of Labor is traveling to Mar-a-Lago at the end of this week, two sources told Fox News Digital. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., who recently lost re-election in a close race against Democrat Janelle Bynum, is in consideration to lead the Labor Department, according to Politico. Her travel down to President-elect Trump’s Florida home could mean that she is a serious contender for the role. Chavez-DeRemer’s candidacy is backed by the Teamsters Union, who Trump allies had been trying to court earlier this year in their bid to broaden the Republican base ahead of the 2024 election. TRUMP’S FORMER EDUCATION SECRETARY REACTS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT’S NEW PICK FOR THE ROLE She would be the fourth current House Republican selected for the new Trump administration after House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Reps. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., and Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. But unlike the others, her elevation to Trump’s Cabinet would not take away from the GOP’s razor-thin House majority. When reached by Fox News Digital, Chavez-DeRemer’s spokesperson did not comment directly on the congresswoman’s travel plans but shared her statement on the Teamsters’ endorsement for the role. “I’d be honored to have the opportunity to support President Trump’s mission to empower and grow our nation’s workforce. Hardworking Americans finally have a lifeline with the president, and I’d work tirelessly to support his impressive efforts to remake the Republican Party into the Party of the American worker,” she said. MUSK, RAMASWAMY LAY OUT DOGE’S PLAN FOR SLASHING GOVERNMENT WASTE Multiple House Republican allies of hers have also lauded her as a potential Trump Cabinet pick on social media. Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, a former Trump 2020 campaign staffer, wrote on X that she “would be a fantastic Labor Secretary.” Reps. Anthony D’Esposito, R-N.Y., and Pete Sauber, R-Minn., shared similar praise on the platform, among others. “She is a champion for workers; she is a problem solver, and she is a no nonsense leader,” Rep. Marc Molinaro, who a source said is also being considered for a high-ranking role in the Department of Transportation, wrote on X. Fox News Digital reached out to the Trump transition team for comment.
House Republicans grill HHS Secretary Becerra over migrant children: ‘Would not want to be you’
House Republicans grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on Wednesday over his agency’s failure to account for thousands of unaccounted migrant children and the process used to vet their sponsors amid concerns of exploitation and abuse. Speaking before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, Becerra testified about his department’s Refugee Resettlement Office, which is charged with caring for and placement of unaccompanied migrant children. Republican subcommittee members accused the Biden administration of rushing migrant children out of HHS custody and into the hands of unvetted sponsors who sometimes exploit and abuse them while not conducting adequate background checks. ‘IT’LL UPEND THE COMMUNITY’: PA TOWN ROILED BY TALK OF MIGRANT HOUSING IN CIVIL WAR-ERA ORPHANAGE “How can you say that the No. 1 priority is the safety of these unaccompanied children when you’re placing them in sponsors’ homes that occasionally have had criminal gang affiliations because there are no proper background checks?” Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., asked. Becerra said his agency follows “child welfare best practices” that include “extensive” background checks. “No sponsor would be allowed to take a child if we have information that shows that they are engaged in criminal activity,” he said. Lawmakers, however, said thousands of violent criminal illegal immigrants and unaccompanied migrant children have been released across the United States under the Biden administration’s watch. They cited the murder of Laken Riley, a Georgia college student killed by an illegal immigrant, and the 2022 killing of Kayla Hamilton in Maryland by Walter Javier Martinez, who was in the country illegally from El Salvador. Martinez was taken to the ORR as an unaccompanied child despite a previous arrest in his home country. FLASHBACK: PA REPUBLICANS DRAFT BILL DIVERTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM SECRETIVE BIDEN-DHS FLIGHTS TO DE “One call to Salvadoran authorities would have confirmed this and an association with MS-13,” said subcommittee Chair Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif. “Instead, Martinez was released into our country with no questions asked. He has since admitted to four murders, two rapes and additional other crimes.” Other cases include the killing of 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez, who was found by her father last year sexually assaulted and strangled in her home. Her alleged killer, Juan Carlos Garcia-Rodriguez, illegally entered the U.S. from Guatemala in 2023, but was allowed to stay in the country via a sponsor in Louisiana. ‘100% ON BOARD:’ BORDER STATE OFFERS TRUMP MASSIVE PLOT OF LAND TO AID MASS DEPORTATION OPERATION In the case of vetting unaccompanied children, the Department of Homeland Security performs that task, Becerra said. HHS vets potential sponsors once the child is in its care, he said. “HHS’s custodial responsibility and overnight for unaccompanied children through ORR ends once we place the child with an appropriately vetted supervisor,” the secretary stated. Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas., noted that the Biden administration admitted more than 100,000 refugees in the past year alone, compared to 12,000 in 2020 under President-elect Trump. “Under the Biden-Harris administration, Americans are left behind while the needs of ‘new’ Americans are pushed to the front of the line,” said Hunt. “Americans are sick and tired of being treated like second-class citizens in our own country.” When asked what he would do differently after four years, Becerra failed to answer the question. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “Do you understand how this affects the lives of a population that you’ve placed that is approaching the size of the state of Wyoming?” asked McClintock. “Some of them: innocent, defenseless children. Others: gang members who are 17-years-old or pretending to be 17.” “Mr. Secretary, when the history of this administration is written, I would not want to be you looking back at what historians say about your tenure,” he said before adjourning the hearing.
GOP lawmakers reveal a heightened legislative focus against ‘irreversible’ gender surgery on minors
Republicans are gearing up for a trifecta of control in Congress next year with a heightened focus on legislation against transgender medical procedures on minors. During a Senate panel on Wednesday afternoon, lawmakers discussed the future of legislative action in Congress, such as bans on biological males competing in women’s sports, restrictions on gender-related surgery on minors and cessation of taxpayer funding of these types of procedures for children, and expanding parental consent requirements. The discussion was hosted by Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and was led by Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project (APP). Schilling interviewed Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., and Paula Scanlan, a swimmer who shared her experience of competing alongside Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete on the women’s team at the University of Pennsylvania. “This movement from the beginning has been about saving America, but mostly about protecting our children,” Schilling said in his opening remarks. SPEAKER JOHNSON ANNOUNCES NEW CAPITOL BATHROOM POLICY IN RESPONSE TO CONTROVERSY OVER TRANS HOUSE MEMBER Marshall, a former medical doctor, discussed his efforts to “shut down the gender industrial complex.” REP. NANCY MACE WON’T BE ‘BULLIED INTO SILENCE’ AFTER TRANSGENDER BATHROOM STANCE “Here, today, we’re protecting young ladies and men from genital mutilation, ’cause this is what this is,” Marshall told the panel. “It’s hard for me to believe we’re doing irreversible damage to these young children.” Tuberville, who introduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, said that “we’ve gotten no help from the Democratic side,” but that Republicans are going to continue working on the issue in the next Congress when Senate Republicans will likely have a majority. “I can’t believe we’re even having to do this,” Tuberville added. “It is pure insanity and has caused irreversible damage on children. This isn’t about politics folks, this is about good and evil.” “Title IX is the best thing to come out of this building in 50 years,” Tuberville, a former coach, said. “Biological men playing in women’s sports is not a right.” Scanlan told the panel about her experience competing for the University of Pennsylvania’s swim team alongside a biological male, saying that she had to change in the locker room with Thomas “18 times per week.” Marshall revealed that Congress will be introducing the Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors Act (STOP), which will aim to “punish people who perform surgery or mediation on minors.” According to an APP report recently covered by Fox News Digital, total revenues for transgender drugs and surgeries in 2023 are estimated to surpass $4.4 billion. That number, according to the study, could exceed $7.8 billion by 2030.
Fox News Politics: Fetterman says he’s open to Oz
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump transition, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… – Speaker Johnson makes clarification after statement regarding transgender House member-elect -Top 10 states where Trump outperformed in 2024 -Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia says with Trump’s election, ‘we’ve got a friend in the White House’ Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said he would vote to confirm his former political opponent Dr. Mehmet Oz to serve as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator if Oz plans to protect the government programs. “If Dr. Oz is about protecting and preserving Medicare and Medicaid, I’m voting for the dude,” Fetterman tweeted. Fetterman defeated Oz, a Republican, in Pennsylvania’s 2022 U.S. Senate race…Read more ‘THEY MAKE US STRONGER’: Biden Defense Secretary argues women, racial diversity ‘make us stronger’ as Trump admin looms…Read more MR PRESIDENT!?: Biden skips taking questions at G-20 in Brazil, despite reporter pleading with him…Read more MACHINE BIAS: Biden admin warns AI in schools may exhibit racial bias, anti-trans discrimination and trigger investigations…Read more MAJOR CHANGES: Biden makes another Ukraine policy shift with approval of sending anti-personnel mines…Read more ‘WOMEN’S ONLY SPACES’: Speaker Johnson announces new Capitol bathroom policy in response to controversy over trans new House member…Read more ‘CLEAR DEADLINE’: Biden admin Commerce Dept seeks to exhaust CHIPS Act funding before Biden leaves office…Read more WHISTLEBLOWER’S FREEDOM: Trump Cabinet picks increase odds Edward Snowden could see life of freedom in the US…Read more VISA ABUSE: Trump could seek to roll back habitually ‘defrauded’ immigration program, expert says…Read more WHITAKER TAPPED: Trump taps former acting AG Matthew Whitaker as NATO ambassador…Read more THE SPRINT: Race to confirm Trump nominees kicks off in January – Chad Pergram…Read more ‘IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL’: Trump lawyers demand Bragg case be ‘immediately dismissed,’ say election ‘supersedes’ ‘political motivations’…Read more NUCLEAR THREAT: Iran vastly increased nuclear fuel stockpile ahead of Trump return, UN agency finds…Read more ‘EXIT RAMP’: Trump’s cut to Biden’s EV tax credit, backed by Musk, may impact auto industry, experts say…Read more HEAR HIM OUT: Lindsey Graham urges GOP not to form ‘lynch mob’ ahead of Gaetz confirmation…Read more ‘VERY PLEASED’: House passes bill to bolster geothermal energy production by increasing lease sale frequency…Read more BATHROOM BATTLE: Nancy Mace’s effort to ban transgender Delaware Democrat from Capitol women’s restrooms gains support…Read more STILL WAITING: 5 uncalled House races to determine size of Republican majority…Read more ‘GO THE WAY OF THE DODO’: Incoming Senate Dem Elissa Slotkin torches identity politics in 2024 autopsy…Read more WATCHERS ON THE WAY: Congressional election observers deploy to Iowa for recount in uncalled House race…Read more TOLEDO TOSSUP: Democratic Ohio Rep. Kaptur narrowly wins re-election, keeping Republican majority at 218 seats…Read more NEVER AGAIN: DePaul University student assaulted by anti-Israel agitator seeks legal action: ‘I will never apologize’…Read more HISTORIC REJECTION: Calif rejects minimum wage hike…Read more ‘OPEN TO MEETING’: Elon Musk wants to meet Alex Soros — and Soros says he’s open to it…Read more HITTING HOME: Illegal with suspected Tren de Aragua ties robbed Manhattan prosecutor in her apartment building: police…Read more EX-POLL WORKER INDICTED: Ex-Georgia poll worker indicted for mailing bomb threat to polling place: FBI..Read more AMENDMENT: Louisiana lawmakers weighing constitutional amendment that would send more juvenile offenders to adult jails…Read more ‘THIS IS THE RESULT’: Democrat mayor slams his own party after deadly hours-long stabbing spree…Read more Get the latest updates on the Trump presidential transition, incoming Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
RFK Jr’s abortion ‘issue’: Senate GOP plans to scrutinize Trump HHS pick’s position
Senate Republicans are preparing to probe Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on his pro-choice stance after the former presidential candidate was selected by President-elect Trump to be his nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, a former Democrat, has concerned a number of Senate Republicans over his espoused views on abortion. His former presidential campaign reportedly said he believed it “should be left up to the woman and her doctor.” Over the summer, Kennedy shared a video on social media, writing in a post, “I support the emerging consensus that abortion should be unrestricted up until a certain point.” He suggested that this limit should be “when the baby is viable outside the womb.” Viability is understood to occur around 24 weeks gestation. INCOMING SENATE DEM ELISSA SLOTKIN TORCHES IDENTITY POLITICS IN 2024 AUTOPSY: ‘GO THE WAY OF THE DODO’ Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., a staunch pro-life advocate, told Fox News Digital, “It’ll come up in the hearing 100%. There’s no question that this will be an issue. I will raise it if no one else does.” He explained that his office is compiling a list of “all of the things that the first Trump administration did for life through HHS, because they were very active in that area.” RICK SCOTT OUTLINES CONSENSUS FOR ‘DRAMATIC CHANGE’ TO SENATE OPERATION IN POST-MCCONNELL ERA Lankford pointed to HHS’ work when it came to conscience protections for abortion and taking on Planned Parenthood as examples. “There’s a lot of things that they did during the first Trump administration through HHS. So, we’re compiling that list, and that’ll definitely be my list of questions,” he said. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, said, “There’s several questions I want to talk to him about.” He explained he wanted to see exactly what RFK Jr.’s position is — “How far? What month?” MATT GAETZ ‘WORKING THE PHONES,’ SPEAKING TO GOP SENATORS DESPITE DIFFICULT CONFIRMATION ODDS HELP committee ranking member Bill Cassidy, R-La., said, “We’ll do our due diligence, but I’m sure somebody will ask that. How could they not?” Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., told Fox News Digital abortion was a concern of his when it comes to RFK Jr. While several Republicans are wary about Trump’s pick for HHS, some expressed confidence that he would act in line with the administration. SENATE GOP INITIATES THUNE-ENGINEERED SLOW DOWN AS SCHUMER LOOKS TO STACK JUDICIAL VOTES “I would fully expect any of Trump’s nominees to be pro-life, as is President Trump,” said Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C. But, he said, “It does need to be addressed.” “I believe what he’s going to do is do the right thing,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said of RFK Jr. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., told Fox News Digital “he’ll be asked a question, and we’ll see how he answers. And we’ll take it from there.” Katie Miller, a Trump-Vance transition spokesperson, told Fox News Digital in a statement, “Mr. Kennedy has every intention of supporting President Trump’s agenda to the fullest extent. This is President Trump’s administration that Robert F. Kennedy has been asked to serve in, and he will carry out the policies Americans overwhelmingly voted for in President Trump’s historic victory.” The concerns aired by Senate Republicans come as some conservative and pro-life groups have already sounded the alarm bell on the HHS pick. “I believe the nomination of RFK Jr. to serve as secretary of HHS is an abrupt departure from the pro-life record of our administration and should be deeply concerning to millions of pro-life Americans who have supported the Republican Party and our nominees for decades,” former Vice President Mike Pence said in a statement from his organization, Advancing American Freedom, last week. The president of top pro-life group Susan B. Anthony Pro Life America, Marjorie Dannenfelser, expressed her own worry, saying in a statement, “There’s no question that we need a pro-life HHS secretary, and, of course, we have concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.” But she signaled confidence in Trump’s administration to uphold pro-life values. “I believe that no matter who is HHS secretary, baseline policies set by President Trump during his first term will be reestablished,” Dannenfelser said.