The effort to install Heidi Overton at the agency reflects a broader push by Republicans to confirm President Trump's selections before their authority lapses. Overton's path remains perilous because unified Democratic resistance would mean a single Republican dissenter could block the nomination in committee. Lawmakers have scrutinized her past decisions, with concerns raised regarding telehealth access to abortion medication alongside her historical involvement in federal vaccine policy. If cleared, she will join a slate of other candidates, including James O’Neill for the National Science Foundation, heading to the full Senate.
Key points
Republican leaders are moving swiftly to finalize Trump administration nominations before…: Republican leaders are moving swiftly to finalize Trump administration nominations before losing their power in Congress.
A single Republican defection on the committee would completely block the nomination if D…: A single Republican defection on the committee would completely block the nomination if Democrats vote together in opposition.
Advancing Overton from the panel is necessary to send her nomination to the full Senate a…: Advancing Overton from the panel is necessary to send her nomination to the full Senate alongside four other pending nominees.
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WASHINGTON — The Senate health committee has scheduled a pivotal vote for next week on the nomination of Heidi Overton to serve as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, as Republicans race to confirm President Trump’s nominees before losing power.
The vote will take place on November 18, according to a committee release. If it passes, Overton’s nomination would then go before the full Senate for a confirmation vote. The committee will also vote on James O’Neill’s nomination to serve as director of the National Science Foundation and three other nominations.
It would take just one Republican on the committee to sink Overton, assuming all Democrats on the panel vote against her. Committee chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) previously voiced concerns about Overton’s role in crafting the Trump administration’s vaccine policies, calling it “almost disqualifying.” And Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) pressed Overton on whether she would support efforts to restrict telehealth access to abortion medication.
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Washington is intensifying economic pressure on Tehran through an ongoing naval blockade, tightening sanctions, and border disruptions that could persist indefinitely. In response, Iranian officials are drafting emergency plans to operate without crude revenues while publicly dismissing warnings of a total economic collapse. The prolonged campaign threatens Iran's basic fiscal solvency, putting state wages, vital pension funds, and critical food imports at imminent risk.
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