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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 5, 2026San Diego

U.S. Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director

The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in a 51-44 vote. She assumes leadership of the agency following a year-long vacancy and a period of significant staff turnover.

public healthCDCSenate confirmationvaccine policyfederal appointments
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Why It Matters

The appointment fills the top leadership position at the nation's primary public health agency, which is currently managing multiple disease outbreaks and navigating internal staffing challenges.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director with a 51-44 vote.
  • The position had been vacant for nearly a year following the firing of the previous director.
  • The previous director was fired due to a dispute over vaccine policy with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • The CDC has experienced significant staff reductions, including layoffs and resignations, during the second Trump administration.
  • The agency is currently responding to measles cases, cyclosporiasis outbreaks, and Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
  • Sen. Bill Cassidy voted to confirm Schwartz after expressing initial concerns regarding vaccine policy.
  • Sen. Bernie Sanders voted against the nomination, citing concerns about Schwartz's ability to resist pressure from Health Secretary Kennedy.
  • The confirmation vote took place on Wednesday, July 30.

Who's Mentioned

organizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“Federal public health agency”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Health Secretary”personDemetre Daskalakis“Former CDC official”personErica Schwartz“Newly confirmed CDC director”personBernie Sanders“U.S. Senator who opposed the nomination”organizationU.S. Senate“Legislative body that confirmed the appointment”personBill Cassidy“U.S. Senator who supported the nomination”