Trump FDA pick dodges vaccine, abortion questions at Senate confirmation hearing
Dr. Heidi Overton, President Trump’s pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), walked a fine line Thursday on vaccines and abortion, largely dodging difficult questions from senators. The confirmation hearing in the Senate Health, Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee shed light on the priorities of lawmakers, but offered little about Overton’s views...
Heidi Overton, the nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration under the Trump administration, is set to face questions at a Senate hearing this morning at 10:30 a.m. The hearing presents an opportunity to provide insights into her qualifications and potential impact on the agency. If confirmed, Overton, who at 37 would become the youngest FDA commissioner, brings a unique perspective to the role as a preventive medicine physician who served under both Trump administrations.
The FDA has faced challenges over the past 18 months, including politicized decisions and staff changes, and has recently reduced its workforce by nearly 20 percent. Overton's appointment has raised concerns among lawmakers and industry representatives about her limited managerial experience and her commitment to policies influenced by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., particularly her involvement in efforts to modify the childhood vaccine schedule.
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) has expressed particular skepticism regarding Overton's suitability for the position.
Written by urgent.news from STAT News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- STAT+: Trump boast on drug pricing policy overstated state-level interest in federal program statnews.com
- Trump’s FDA nominee says MMR shot is ‘safe and effective’ at Senate hearing theguardian.com
- FDA pick sidesteps tough questions thehill.com
- Trump's FDA pick Heidi Overton calls vaccines, mifepristone safe and effective in confirmation hearing fiercehealthcare.com
- President Trump's FDA commissioner nom, Dr. Heidi Overton, faces Senators' questions npr.org
- FDA nominee Overton parries vaccine questions at Senate hearing biopharmadive.com
- Trump's FDA nominee Heidi Overton affirms MMR vaccine and mifepristone are safe at crucial Senate hearing scientificamerican.com
