Senate Advances Dr. Nicole Saphier for Surgeon General
Senate HELP Committee advances Dr. Nicole Saphier’s nomination for U.S. Surgeon General.
1 min read
Dr. Nicole Saphier has taken a significant step toward becoming the U.S. Surgeon General after the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to advance her nomination. The panel approved the nomination along a strict party-line vote of 12 to 11, sending her confirmation to the full Senate floor.
Third Attempt to Fill Vacant Post
Saphier, a board-certified radiologist and former Fox News medical contributor, represents President Donald Trump’s third attempt to fill the Surgeon General post. This follows the earlier withdrawal of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat and Dr. Casey Means.
Testimony on Vaccine Policies
During her confirmation hearing earlier in the month, lawmakers questioned Saphier about her positions on childhood immunization schedules and scientific consensus. She reiterated her support for routine immunizations, stating under oath that she does not believe childhood vaccines cause autism. However, she has also drawn a clear line regarding COVID-19 policy, remaining an outspoken critic of pediatric vaccine mandates.
Saphier has previously slammed school mandates as “knee-jerk” policies and a “complete disaster,” advocating for personal choice and opposing broad requirements for young, healthy children. If confirmed by the full Senate, she will assume the role historically tasked with delivering scientific guidance to the American public and leading the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
Next Steps
Senate leadership has not yet announced when the full chamber will convene to vote on her final confirmation. However, the committee vote is a major step toward filling an important post that has sat vacant for months. They typically announce floor votes a few days in advance, depending on the legislative calendar and priorities.
Source: OANN
