Live updates: RFK Jr. questioned extensively regarding vaccines, Covid, and the turmoil at the CDC during the Senate hearing.

What to know today

RFK JR. TESTIMONY: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. provided testimony during a hearing with the Senate Finance Committee today. The health secretary engaged in several tense exchanges and shouting matches with Democratic senators regarding his vaccine policies and the turmoil at the CDC.

GOP PUSHBACK: Several Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La. — a physician and a crucial vote for Kennedy's confirmation — also voiced concerns about the department’s management of vaccines. The Health Secretary consistently asserted that he is not anti-vaccine, despite appointing several vaccine skeptics to a significant advisory committee and retracting the agency's Covid vaccine recommendations.

EX-CDC DIRECTOR SPEAKS OUT: Former CDC Director Susan Monarez stated in an op-ed published shortly before Kennedy's testimony that she was dismissed after being instructed to preapprove recommendations made by a panel whose members have raised questions about vaccines. Kennedy informed the committee that Monarez is not telling the truth.