Watch Live Stream: Ben Carson's Confirmation Hearing For Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development

Dr. Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon and former Republican primary candidate for president, testified Thursday before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Development Committee in the first day of his confirmation hearings as Donald Trump's Cabinet pick for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

With no prior experience in government, and no expertise in residential or urban politics, many view the Carson pick as an odd choice. According to multiple reports, an aide initially told the press that Carson felt he was not qualified for a Cabinet pick because he had no experience in government — an oddly self-deprecating perspective for someone who was once a front-runner in the Republican presidential primary.

But the nominee has pointed to his personal experience growing up with a single mother and facing financial uncertainty as relevant to the role.

"I have actually in my life understood what housing insecurity was," Carson said in his opening statement, noting that his family moved around in his youth for want of quality housing.

Senators asked Carson questions focusing on homeownership, veterans housing issues and measures to reduce lead poisoning, particularly among children. Watch the hearing as it continues live below:

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore