Senate Confirms Erica Schwartz as New CDC Director

The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, with a 51-44 vote. Schwartz assumes leadership of the agency after a period of significant staff reductions, resignations and internal turmoil that began during the previous administration. The CDC is currently addressing rising measles cases, cyclosporiasis outbreaks and an Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

During her July confirmation hearing, Senator Bill Cassidy questioned Schwartz about vaccine policy and potential pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. After she addressed his concerns, Cassidy voted to move her nomination forward and ultimately supported her confirmation, stating, "After speaking with Dr. Schwartz again after the hearing, reviewing the transcript and speaking to those who served with her and know her well, I'm confident that she knows what she is doing and will stand against those who do not."

Senator Bernie Sanders, the ranking member on the health committee, voted against her advancement and final confirmation, acknowledging her credentials but expressing doubt about her ability to counter Kennedy's statements on vaccines. He said, "I think the American people are owed better than what President Trump has nominated."

Former CDC official Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who resigned last August, wished Schwartz luck and emphasized that her focus must remain on the public-health mission.