The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee advanced Nicole Saphier, President Trump's nominee for surgeon general, clearing a key hurdle on the path to confirmation. Her nomination now heads to the full Senate for a vote.
According to The Hill, the committee voted along party lines, 12-11, to advance Saphier. The Hill also noted that because this is the final week the Senate is in session, the timing of a floor vote remains uncertain.
According to the Washington Examiner, Saphier's advancement came after a year of disputes over vaccines within the Trump political coalition, and after she convinced key Republican senators that she supports childhood vaccines, a position described as putting her at odds with other parts of that coalition.
The Washington Examiner also described Saphier as a radiologist specializing in breast cancer.
How each side covered it
Left
- Reported that Saphier's nomination cleared the Senate HELP Committee.
- Noted the nomination now heads to the full Senate for a vote.
“Senate committee advances Trump's pick for next surgeon general” — CBS News
Center
- The Hill reported the committee vote was 12-11 along party lines.
- The Hill flagged that the Senate's limited remaining session time could affect scheduling of a floor vote.
“President Trump\u2019s nominee for U.S. surgeon general advanced through a key Senate committee on Wednesday, setting up a glide path to a floor vote and confirmation.” — The Hill
Right
- The Washington Examiner highlighted a year of vaccine feuds within the Trump political coalition tied to Saphier's nomination.
- Reported Saphier had to assure Republican senators of her support for childhood vaccines.
- Described Saphier as a radiologist specializing in breast cancer.
“Trump surgeon general pick advances in Senate after year of vaccine feuds” — Washington Examiner
Questions readers ask
What happened with Nicole Saphier's surgeon general nomination?
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted to advance Nicole Saphier, President Trump's nominee for U.S. surgeon general, sending her nomination to the full Senate for a vote.
What was the committee vote count?
According to The Hill, the Senate HELP Committee advanced Nicole Saphier along party lines, by a vote of 12-11.
Why has Saphier's nomination drawn attention over vaccines?
According to the Washington Examiner, Saphier had to convince key Republican senators that she supports childhood vaccines, a stance described as putting her at odds with other parts of the Trump political coalition after a year of vaccine-related disputes.
What happens next for Saphier's nomination?
Her nomination moves to a vote before the full Senate, though The Hill noted uncertainty around timing since the committee vote came in the final week the Senate was in session.
Sources · 11 outlet reports
- ABC NewsLeft-leaningSenate committee advances Dr. Nicole Saphier's nomination for surgeon general
- Associated PressLeft-leaningSenate committee advances Dr. Nicole Saphier’s nomination for surgeon general
- CBS NewsLeft-leaningSenate committee advances Trump's pick for next surgeon general
- NBC NewsLeft-leaningSenate committee advances Dr. Nicole Saphier’s nomination for surgeon general
- Scientific AmericanLeft-leaningTrump’s Surgeon General nominee Nicole Saphier clears key Senate committee
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningTrump’s nominee to be nation’s top doctor clears key hurdle in Senate committee
- The HillCenterSenate panel advances Trump surgeon general nominee
- UPICenterSenate Committee pushes Saphier surgeon genreal nomination forward
- NewsmaxRight-leaningSenate Committee Advances Dr. Nicole Saphier for Surgeon General
- The Epoch TimesRight-leaningSenate Health Committee Advances Trump Surgeon General Nominee for 1st Time This Term
- Washington ExaminerRight-leaningTrump surgeon general pick advances in Senate after year of vaccine feuds