Republicans in the Louisiana House stifled a proposal on Wednesday that would have banned the addition of fluoride in public water systems — rejecting a burgeoning movement backed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Louisiana House Health and Welfare Committee shot down the measure in a 4-11 vote, with six Republicans joining five Democrats to defeat the measure. All four members who voted in favor are Republicans.

The proposal would have allowed public fluorination only if residents petitioned for a vote in their jurisdiction and a majority of registered voters cast ballots in favor — a notably steep hurdle, particularly in areas with low voter turnout.

The GOP-controlled state Senate advanced Senate Bill 2 in a 24-10 vote last month. The Louisiana Legislat

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