Senate Committee Advances Nomination of Dr. Nicole Saphier for Surgeon General

WASHINGTON -- Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Donald Trump's nominee for surgeon general, advanced from the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Wednesday in a 12 to 11 vote. Saphier's nomination is now closer to confirmation.

Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News Channel contributor, faced questions during her confirmation hearing regarding her stance on childhood vaccines. She stated that she does not believe vaccines cause autism and affirmed that the MMR vaccine is a critical tool for combating measles. This comes as the Trump administration has previously sought to revisit claims about a vaccine-autism link, despite a broad scientific consensus refuting such a connection.

During the hearing, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy pressed Saphier on her views, to which she responded by stating her lack of belief in a link between childhood vaccines and autism. She also addressed concerns about the hepatitis B vaccine, stating that the universal birth dose is safe and effective. However, Sen. Bernie Sanders, the ranking member of the Senate HELP committee, indicated he would vote against Saphier's nomination, citing her questioning of the need for the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

Timothy Westlake, nominated to serve as assistant secretary for mental health and substance use at the Department of Health and Human Services, was also advanced out of the committee. Additionally, Chris Klomp, nominated for deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, was advanced by the Senate Finance Committee the previous week. Klomp's nomination also faced scrutiny regarding his role within HHS and his positions on vaccines.

The surgeon general position, while carrying limited policymaking authority, is significant for its role in public health communication. It was not immediately clear when Saphier and Westlake would face a full Senate vote for their confirmation, but they are expected to be approved.