The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a confirmation hearing on Wednesday for Dr. Erica Schwartz, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Schwartz, a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service and former deputy surgeon general, would be the third person nominated for the role during the current administration.
During her testimony, Schwartz stated that her priorities would include "transparency" and "scientific integrity" in providing public health guidance. She addressed the committee regarding her qualifications, which include degrees in medicine, law, and public health, as well as her previous service as chief medical officer of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The hearing included discussion on how Schwartz would interact with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Senators questioned the nominee on how she would maintain scientific independence in light of previous efforts by the department to alter vaccine policies. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) expressed concern regarding leadership turnover at the agency, while other committee members from both parties noted Schwartz's professional qualifications.
If confirmed, Schwartz will oversee an agency currently managing workforce shortages and ongoing disease outbreaks. The position has lacked a permanent director for most of the current presidential term following the withdrawal of Dr. Dave Weldon's nomination and the dismissal of former director Susan Monarez. The HELP committee is expected to vote on whether to advance her nomination to the full Senate.