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. testifies in confirmation hearings before the Senate’s Finance Committee on Wednesday, and will appear Thursday before the health committee.

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

Caroline Kennedy warns senators about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination, questioning his ethics and views on vaccines.