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Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director : NPR
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the CDC with a 51-44 vote, nearly a year after the previous director was fired over vaccine policy disputes with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Schwartz will lead the CDC amid significant staff losses and ongoing public health challenges, including measles surges, cyclosporiasis outbreaks, and an Ebola outbreak in Africa.
- During her July confirmation hearing, Schwartz addressed concerns from Republicans about vaccine support under pressure from Kennedy, earning key votes from Sen. Bill Cassidy despite initial skepticism.
- Sen. Bernie Sanders opposed Schwartz's nomination, citing doubts about her ability to counter Kennedy's misinformation on vaccines and health issues, despite acknowledging her qualifications.
- Former CDC official Dr. Demetre Daskalakis emphasized the importance of Schwartz focusing on the CDC’s public health mission amid the agency’s current challenges.
