WASHINGTON—The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, giving the nation's top public health agency its first permanent leader in nearly a year as it confronts disease outbreaks, staffing challenges and heightened scrutiny over federal vaccine policy.
The Senate approved Schwartz's nomination by a vote of 51-44, largely along party lines, making her the third nominee put forward by President Donald Trump to lead the Atlanta-based agency. The confirmation followed weeks of debate over the CDC's scientific independence and its relationship with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Schwartz, a preventive medicine physician and former deputy surgeon general during Trump's first administration, also served as chief medical officer of the U.S. Coast Guard. She holds degrees in medicine and law and was nominated in April after a period of leadership instability at the CDC.
During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in July, Schwartz pledged to restore trust in public health institutions through transparency and evidence-based decision-making. She told lawmakers she would not compromise scientific standards and said public health guidance should be "clear, honest and evidence based."
Her nomination initially faced questions from senators, including committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, over whether she would maintain the CDC's scientific independence, particularly on vaccine policy. Cassidy later announced his support after further discussions with Schwartz, saying he was satisfied she would uphold evidence-based science.
Schwartz assumes leadership of an agency that has experienced months of upheaval, including changes in senior leadership and significant workforce reductions. The CDC is responding to multiple public health challenges, including a resurgence of measles, foodborne illness investigations and international Ebola outbreaks, according to public health officials.
Her confirmation also fills a leadership vacancy that followed the dismissal of former CDC Director Susan Monarez after a dispute over vaccine policy, according to Reuters. Acting officials had overseen the agency in the interim.
With Senate confirmation complete, Schwartz is expected to assume responsibility immediately as the CDC seeks to stabilize its leadership and continue its response to ongoing domestic and global public health threats.
