The Senate Health Committee held hearings on September 16, 2026, to evaluate three nominees for senior positions within the Department of Health and Human Services. The panel focused heavily on Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Trump’s third choice for surgeon general, as lawmakers probed her views on immunization policy and public health priorities.
Vaccine Policy Under Scrutiny
Saphier, a radiologist and director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth in New Jersey, faced intense questioning regarding the administration’s shifting stance on childhood vaccinations. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, chair of the committee, asked Saphier directly about the link between vaccines and autism.
Saphier stated she has not seen reputable evidence suggesting vaccines cause autism. She emphasized that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective tool for combating infections and establishing herd immunity. Additionally, Saphier expressed support for universal hepatitis B vaccination, though she did not directly address whether she agrees with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to remove the recommendation for universal birth-dose hepatitis B shots.
The position of surgeon general has been vacant since January 2025, when Former President Biden left office. Saphier is the third nominee considered for the role under the current administration. Her predecessor in the first Trump administration, Dr. Jerome Adams, expressed confidence that Saphier would be confirmed.
Flavored Vapes and Public Health
Republican Sen. Susan Collins shifted the focus to tobacco regulation, asking Saphier about the FDA’s decision to permit the sale of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes. Saphier suggested that if a specific flavor encourages an adult to quit smoking traditional cigarettes, it may be worth considering as a harm-reduction strategy.
Saphier previously contributed to Fox News Channel and authored a book titled “Make America Healthy Again,” published in 2020. Kennedy began promoting the slogan during his 2024 presidential campaign. The Health Secretary praised Saphier’s nomination on social media in April, signaling alignment with her public health philosophy.
Deputy Secretary and Mental Health Nominees
The committee also reviewed nominations for two other key HHS roles. Chris Klomp was nominated for deputy secretary of HHS, a position that would place him second-in-command to Secretary Kennedy. Klomp has served as Medicare director since April 2025 and was elevated to “chief counselor” in February 2026. He has managed much of the department’s day-to-day operations since that time.
Republican senators on the Finance Committee questioned Klomp about drug pricing and Medicaid fraud earlier in the week. Democratic lawmakers pressed him on HHS’ response to ongoing measles outbreaks. In testimony, Klomp voiced support for children receiving the MMR vaccine to help curb the spread of the disease.
Dr. Timothy Westlake, an emergency medicine physician from Wisconsin, was nominated to serve as assistant secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. The committee considered his qualifications alongside the broader restructuring of HHS leadership under the Trump administration.
Next Steps in Confirmation Process
The Senate Health Committee’s hearings mark a critical step in the confirmation process for these nominees. Lawmakers from both parties used the platform to clarify policy positions on vaccines, tobacco regulation, and healthcare administration. The committee must vote on whether to advance the nominations to the full Senate for final consideration.
If confirmed, Saphier would become the first surgeon general appointed by President Trump since his initial term. Her confirmation could signal a shift in federal health messaging, particularly regarding vaccination strategies and chronic disease prevention. Klomp’s elevation to deputy secretary would formalize his role in overseeing HHS operations, while Westlake’s appointment would shape national mental health policy.
The outcomes of these hearings will influence the direction of federal health initiatives for years to come. As the Senate deliberates, stakeholders across the healthcare sector are watching closely to see how the new leadership team will balance public health mandates with individual choice and regulatory reform.