Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Trump's third nominee for surgeon general, is moving closer to confirmation. A Senate committee advanced her nomination Wednesday with a 12 to 11 vote. Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, expressed support for vaccines during her confirmation hearing. She stated she doesn’t believe vaccines cause autism, countering discredited claims revisited by the Trump administration. Timothy Westlake, nominated for assistant secretary for mental health, was also advanced. It's unclear when the full Senate will vote, but approval is expected. Sen. Bernie Sanders opposed Saphier's nomination, citing concerns over her vaccine stance.

Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, has faced scrutiny over her stance on childhood vaccines. At a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, she was questioned about vaccines causing autism, a theory promoted by Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Widespread scientific consensus has concluded a link between autism and vaccines doesn’t exist. Saphier stated she doesn't believe childhood vaccines cause autism. She emphasized the importance of the MMR vaccine in combating measles. The position of surgeon general has been vacant throughout Trump's second term. Saphier's nomination follows two previous candidates who faced controversy over their backgrounds and views on vaccines.