Senators questioned Heidi Overton on her knowledge of public health and her potential independence during a Sept. 24 confirmation hearing for FDA commissioner. The nominee declined to answer whether an intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of abortion and avoided confirming the safety of the drug mifepristone, stating only that the FDA had approved it. Overton also failed to directly refute President Donald Trump's claim that vaccines are the size of "soda bottles," though she stated that FDA-licensed products are "safe and effective."

The hearing also addressed Overton's role in an executive order to split the MMR vaccine into separate doses and her evasion of questions on rolling back tobacco regulations for flavored vapes. Sen. Patty Murray noted that the Trump administration fired 4,600 FDA staff before starting to rehire 3,500 employees, while Sen. Bernie Sanders disputed claims that U.S. drug prices are the lowest globally. Overton testified that prices have dropped by 3%, but she did not specify the cause of the decline.