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Cassidy Presses Surgeon General Nominee on Measles Vaccine

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 12:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Senate health committee held a hearing on President Donald Trump’s health-policy nominations, including Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general, on September 16 2026.
Senator Bill Cassidy said three measles deaths occurred in Pennsylvania and a fourth death is under review.
Cassidy pressed Dr. Saphier to state that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine does not cause autism.
The hearing noted a backlog of health-agency leadership vacancies, with the FDA lacking a permanent leader since May.

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Story summary

Senate health committee held a hearing on President Donald Trump’s health-policy nominations, including Dr. Nicole Saphier for surgeon general, on September 16 2026.
Senator Bill Cassidy said three measles deaths occurred in Pennsylvania and a fourth death is under review.
Cassidy pressed Dr. Saphier to state that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine does not cause autism.
The hearing noted a backlog of health-agency leadership vacancies, with the FDA lacking a permanent leader since May.