Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance on Wednesday as he seeks confirmation to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, concluded Thursday's hearing by saying he was "struggling" with the nomination due to Kennedy's vaccine positions. Kennedy notably refused to say vaccines don't cause autism as he faced pointed question from lawmakers.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine advocacy is outside the mainstream. His previous statements on abortion could alienate Republicans. But a new poll finds that not all of his controversial health goals are unpopular — in fact,

Over many years, Kennedy has been clear about his beliefs on vaccines in dozens of interviews, podcasts and social media posts.

RFK Jr. claimed he is not “anti-vaccine” and appeared unfamiliar with key aspects of healthcare insurance programs in his confirmation hearing.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny Wednesday on Capitol Hill as he sought confirmation for the role of Health and Human Services secretary.

Kyra Kennedy, 29, is the youngest daughter of health secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, faces scrutiny for his past vaccine stance and other controversial remarks. During Senate hearings, both proponents and opponents highlighted Kennedy's history of vaccine misinformation.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said vaccines are not safe. His support for abortion access has made conservatives uncomfortable.

At times, the questioning at Thursday’s hearing also got intensely personal. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-New Hampshire, criticized Kennedy for his belief in a link between autism and vaccines. She also shared her struggles as a mother who has spent decades wondering what caused her 36-year-old son's cerebral palsy.

Russell Simmons voiced support for “lifelong friend” Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health secretary nomination, amid controversy over the position.

The hearings were packed to capacity with protesters and fans, while the spillover crowd hung out in hallways and overflow rooms.