The Senate advanced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services in the final procedural hurdle before the confirmation vote.

The vote was largely on party lines, with 53 senators voting to advance his nomination and 47 senators voting against.

After clearing committee, Kennedy's nomination advanced to cloture, a procedural point in which the chamber votes to limit further debate on his nomination. What follows the vote is a period of floor time for debate, after which the chamber will hold its final vote on his nomination.

A final vote appears set for Thursday.

The vote follows the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence. Gabbard and Kennedy, along with FBI Director-designate Kash Patel, rank among Trump's three most contentious Cabinet nominees, though all appear on course for confirmation.