Kennedy appeared before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday as he seeks confirmation as the nation's health secretary.

Kennedy Jr. rejected characterizations of him as an anti-vaxxer in a Senate hearing Wednesday where senators will weigh his confirmation as Health and Human Services Secretary—as his former billionaire running mate threatens to fund primary challenges against lawmakers who vote against him.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced about 3.5 hours of questioning on topics including his past comments on vaccines and abortion during the first of his two confirmation hearings.

Children’s Health Defense, the nonprofit founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., used a heated exchange between Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) and the HHS nominee ove

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s alternating views on vaccines, reproductive rights and public health issues were a central focus at his first confirmation hearing Wednesday, with Democratic senators expressing dismay at his nomination and Republicans signaling he’ll likely have their support.

Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was unconvinced. He demanded Kennedy address some of the merchandise sold by Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine organization Kennedy started. “On their website, they are selling what’s called onesies ― these little things,

Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) grilled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over baby onesies emblazoned with antivaccination slogans from Children’s Health Defense, the nonprofit founded by Kennedy. Photo: Andrew Caballe

During the Senate confirmation hearing for HHS nominee Robert Kennedy Jr., Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) questioned Kennedy’s support for the Children’s Health Defense, an organization that Kennedy chaired,

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing his first Senate confirmation hearing as President Donald Trump's nominee to be the secretary of health and human services.