Schwartz confirmed as CDC director after bungling confirmation hearing
Summary
Erica Schwartz was confirmed by the US Senate as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a 51–44 vote. Her confirmation ends a long vacancy after the previous director was fired by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine views. Schwartz has strong medical and public health experience but faced criticism for not firmly opposing Kennedy’s stance during her confirmation hearing.Key Facts
- Erica Schwartz received a 51–44 Senate vote to become CDC director.
- The CDC director role was vacant for nearly a year after the previous director was fired by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Kennedy and his advisors hold anti-vaccine views, which led to conflicts with former CDC leadership.
- Schwartz holds a medical degree, a public health master’s degree, and a law degree.
- She has experience in the Navy, the US Coast Guard, and served in leadership during President Trump’s first term.
- During her confirmation hearing, she did not clearly say she would oppose Kennedy’s anti-vaccine policies.
- Some health experts and groups withdrew support after her hearing, citing concerns about her stance.
- Senator Bill Cassidy, who supported Kennedy’s confirmation as health secretary, voted to confirm Schwartz despite his disappointment with her hearing performance.
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