Senate Panel Questions Trump's Health Nominees, Including Third Surgeon General Pick

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a confirmation hearing on Wednesday for three nominees to senior health positions in the Trump administration, according to NPR News.

Among the nominees is Dr. Nicole Saphier, who has been put forward as the next U.S. Surgeon General. NPR reported that Saphier is President Trump's third attempt to fill the surgeon general post since returning to office.

The hearing marks a step in the confirmation process for the nominees, who must be approved by the full Senate before taking office. NPR did not identify the other two nominees under consideration at the hearing in the excerpt reviewed.

The surgeon general position, often referred to as the nation's top doctor, is responsible for providing the public with health guidance and advisories. Previous nominees to the post under the current administration have not been confirmed, according to NPR, making Saphier's nomination the third such attempt.

Further details on the specific questions raised by senators during the hearing, as well as the identities and roles of the other two nominees, were not included in the available reporting.