Top Republican 'struggling' with RFK Jr.'s nomination over Kennedy's vaccine views

Chairman Bill Cassidy, a Republican, kicked off the hearing by saying he agrees with Kennedy's view on the need to tackle ultra-processed food and its impact on Americans' health. But he quickly admitted he has some concerns about his nomination.

"It's no secret I have some reservations about your past positions on vaccines and COVID issues," the senator said.

Cassidy spoke at length about his experience as a physician, and openly questioned if Americans will trust Kennedy given his past comments undermining vaccines. He asked Kennedy directly: "What will you tell the American mother? Will you tell her to vaccinate her child or not?"

Kennedy has a prolific history of anti-vaccine comments, including false claims linking them to autism. But as he seeks to lead HHS, he's shifting his stance.

He told lawmakers on Wednesday he's not "anti-vaccine" but rather "pro-safety." He also pledged not to do anything to discourage Americans from taking the measles or polio vaccine, despite openly questioning those immunizations in the past.

Kennedy is likely to continue to try to distance himself from some of his more controversial claims during today's hearing as he seeks out 51 yes votes on his nomination.

Cassidy, a doctor from Louisiana, is the chairman of the Senate HELP Committee.

During Wednesday's hearing with the Senate Finance Committee, Cassidy had a tense exchange with Kennedy over Medicare and Medicaid.

Leaving the hearing, Cassidy wouldn't say whether he was satisfied with his answers.

"I'm not commenting on anything about RFK until after all the process is over," Cassidy told ABC's Allison Pecorin.

Kennedy can only afford to lose three Republican votes, should all Democrats oppose his nomination -- as is expected.

Trump's pick to be health secretary faces a second straight day of questions from senators tasked with his confirmation.

Kennedy appears at 10 a.m. ET before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

He's likely to continue to face pushback from Democrats, and even some Republicans, on his past comments about vaccines, abortion and more.

Read more about the key takeaways from his first hearing on Wednesday here.