Senate committee advances Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's nomination for NIH director

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on Thursday voted to advance Dr. Jay Bhattacharya's nomination for National Institutes of Health (NIH) director to the Senate for a floor vote.

The vote was 12-11 with all Republicans voting yes. 

Last week, Bhattacharya had a confirmation hearing where he testified before members of the committee.

He is a Stanford medical professor and health economist, most well known for his research on COVID-19 immunity and opposition to vaccine mandates.