Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced aggressive questions about his skepticism of vaccines and other issues during the first of two scheduled Senate confirmation hearings.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s controversial pick to lead Health and Human Services, testified before a Senate panel that is crucial to advance his nomination.

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.

The hearings were packed to capacity with protesters and fans, while the spillover crowd hung out in hallways and overflow rooms.