Dr. Heidi Overton faces Senate confirmation hearing for FDA commissioner post

On Thursday, Dr. Heidi Overton, nominated by President Trump to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee for her confirmation hearing. Senator Bill Cassidy, the committee chair, questioned her about the safety of the MMR vaccine, which she affirmed. Overton's nomination is controversial due to her involvement in overhauling childhood vaccine schedules and her critical views on abortion medication. The FDA has faced significant workforce reductions and leadership turmoil. The committee will vote on her nomination, which requires a majority, followed by a full Senate vote.