Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director, bringing new leadership to troubled agency
Summary
The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a 51-44 vote. She becomes the first permanent leader of the agency in almost a year during a time of low staff morale and political challenges.Key Facts
- Dr. Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the Senate on July 15, 2026, as CDC director.
- Schwartz is the 22nd leader of the CDC based in Atlanta.
- She holds both medical and law degrees and has experience as deputy surgeon general and with the U.S. Coast Guard.
- The CDC has lost over 3,000 employees, about a quarter of its workforce, mostly due to layoffs and resignations.
- The agency has faced low morale and instability with many temporary leaders.
- Schwartz's nomination was questioned by some senators about her willingness to oppose health orders they saw as unscientific.
- She was President Donald Trump’s choice, not health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for anti-vaccine views.
- Schwartz is the third nominee for CDC director in 18 months after previous nominees faced cancellations or removal.
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