Kennedy Jr. is revising his ethics agreement to divest his interest in litigation against an HPV vaccine maker and directing the stake to his adult son, The New York Times reported Friday, citing a written response to questions from senators who are weighing his confirmation as Health and Human Services secretary.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on shaky political ground after two days of contentious confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill failed to lock in enough Senate votes for him to become health and human services secretary.