Cassidy is expected to challenge RFK Jr. on his vaccine skepticism and views on public health in today's confirmation hearing.

In testimony to the Senate Finance Committee, Mr. Kennedy seemed to confuse the two government programs that cover more than 150 million Americans.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a contentious confirmation hearing to be the nation's top health official, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. struggled to answer questions about how he would reform Medicaid or Medicare, the government health care programs used by millions of disabled, poor and older Americans.

The Kennedy scion is already well-known for pushing conspiracy theories and junk science, but Wednesday’s hearing revealed just how little he understands about the monumental job he might take on.

Reaction to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appearance before the Senate Finance Committee largely fell along party lines Wednesday. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R., N.D.) said he tuned in to watch and thought Kennedy ably responded to Democrats’ efforts to show where he has disagreed with President Trump.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces high-stakes Senate hearings as he seeks confirmation for Health Secretary. Follow Newsweek's live blog.

President Donald Trump's controversial pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will testify in two Senate hearings starting Wednesday.

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s famous name, populist stances and loyal following have earned him President Donald Trump’s support, but will that get him the votes he needs from the Republican-controlled Senate to become the nation’s top health official?

Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy will be at the center of the first hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial Health and Human Services Secretary nomination.

Kennedy is the country's most well-known anti-vaccine activist, and could soon lead be Trump's top health official.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has called on the U.S. Senate, specifically Senator Bill Cassidy, to support Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.