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.