Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Donald Trump's third nominee for surgeon general, testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and affirmed her support for key childhood vaccines.

Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor who practices at a Memorial Sloan Kettering facility in New Jersey, addressed questions from committee chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., about vaccine safety. She stated that she does not believe childhood vaccines cause autism and described the MMR vaccine as the greatest tool for combating measles.

When pressed on recent comments from the president suggesting the MMR vaccine may be lethal, Saphier responded that she does not believe the MMR vaccine to be lethal. She emphasized that vaccination remains the best approach to save lives and achieve herd immunity amid rising measles cases.

Saphier also discussed the hepatitis B vaccine, noting that the universal birth dose is a tried-and-true method to prevent infection and associated illness, including certain cancers. She acknowledged parental concerns but stressed the strong evidence supporting the recommendation.

The hearing marked the latest step in Saphier's confirmation process. Trump nominated her in April after earlier picks faced obstacles in the Senate. If confirmed, she would serve as the nation's top doctor and lead the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

Saphier has previously aligned with aspects of the administration's health agenda while maintaining support for established vaccines. Her testimony highlighted a focus on evidence-based recommendations during a period of increased scrutiny over immunization policies.