STAT+: Cassidy sets key vote on Overton, even as he remains undecided on nominee to lead FDA

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 — despite lingering doubts from Republicans on the panel. The vote is set for Nov. 18, according to a committee release. If it passes, Overton’s nomination would then go to the full Senate, where Republicans are racing to confirm nominees before Democrats take power in January. The committee will also vote on James O’Neill’s nomination to serve as director of the National Science Foundation and three other nominations. Even as he scheduled the vote, committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) remained undecided on Overton, he wrote in a post on X. It would take just one Republican on the committee to sink her nomination, assuming all Democrats vote against her. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe