President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently received encouraging news regarding his Senate confirmation prospects.

Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island may break from his party to support Kennedy due to their longstanding friendship, which began when they were law school roommates, according to WPRI. Their bond dates back decades, with Whitehouse once jokingly blamed for Kennedy failing his first bar exam due to a rafting trip. However, Whitehouse has remained noncommittal, stating he will not reveal his vote.

Kennedy’s confirmation hearings are set before two Senate committees: the Finance Committee on Wednesday and the HELP Committee on Thursday. The Finance Committee will determine whether his nomination moves forward.

While Kennedy may have some Democratic support, he faces resistance from Republicans, including Senators Bill Cassidy and Chuck Grassley, due to concerns over his past statements on vaccines and agriculture.

Additionally, former Vice President Mike Pence’s organization is pressuring GOP senators to reject Kennedy’s nomination, citing his past support for abortion rights. Pence previously urged the Senate to block Kennedy, arguing that an HHS secretary must be firmly pro-life.

Kennedy, who initially ran as a Democrat in the 2024 presidential race, has shifted positions on abortion restrictions, adding to the controversy surrounding his confirmation.