Takeaways From Rfk Jr.'s First Confirmation Hearing As Trump's Nominee For Health Secretary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was pressed to clarify his views on vaccines, abortion and public health priorities in the first of two Senate hearings as he tries to make the case to become President Donald Trump's health secretary .

Kennedy is seeking to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, the 1.7 trillion agency that funds medical research, public health outreach, food and drug safety, hospital oversight, funding for community health care clinics as well as Medicare and Medicaid .

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee expressed hope Kennedy could help reduce chronic diseases and health care costs. Democrats repeatedly used quotes and transcripts from his books and public appearances to pin him down on several issues , especially vaccines and abortion.

Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat, argued that "from abortion to universal health care, Mr. Kennedy has changed his views so often it's nearly impossible to know where he stands."

On Thursday Kennedy will appear before the Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee.