If approved, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confronted with a number of his conspiracy theories and a vexing abortion issue. But Republican senators treaded lightly.

The hearing, which began at 10 a.m., examined the worthiness of RFK Jr. to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. (This story may be updated.) Start the day smarter. Get all t

What to know from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s hearings before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Thursday.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former presidential candidate and environmental activist, endorsed Donald Trump last year and threw his weight behind a campaign to “Make America Healthy Again.” For the past two decades he has been best known for airing skeptical views on vaccines.

While Mr. Kennedy, seeking the job of health secretary, has been vocal about vaccines and his desire to overhaul the nation’s diet, he has said very little about other issues.

Watch live as RFK Jr. faces questions from senators in his confirmation hearing as President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a flurry of intense questions about his past stances on health issues, such as abortions, vaccines and Medicaid, during his Senate confirmation hearing.