Senate panel approves CDC nominee, controversial HHS pick
Summary
The Senate health committee approved Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Sean Kaufman as assistant secretary for preparedness and response. Both nominees now await full Senate votes, and their approvals come amid concerns about past controversies and political pressures in the health department.Key Facts
- Erica Schwartz was approved 12-10 by the Senate health committee to lead the CDC.
- Sean Kaufman, nominated for a health preparedness role, was approved 12-11 despite past anti-vaccine statements.
- Committee chair Bill Cassidy expressed concern over Kaufman's previous comments but secured promises that Kaufman would not influence vaccine policy.
- Both nominations were postponed previously due to low attendance and further questions about Kaufman.
- Schwartz pledged to follow science and rebuild trust at the CDC but was cautious about reporting unscientific policies from leadership.
- Schwartz is President Trump’s third nominee for the CDC director role after earlier nominees faced controversies or dismissal.
- The CDC faces morale and staffing problems after nearly a year without a permanent political leader.
- Cassidy warned that the committee will hold future appointees accountable if promises about scientific oversight are broken.
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