Dr. Erica Schwartz, nominated to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pledged during her Senate confirmation hearing to uphold scientific integrity and avoid compromising on science. Schwartz, a former deputy surgeon general, faced rigorous questioning from senators.
Senators also heard testimony from Sean Kaufman, nominated to be assistant secretary for strategic preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kaufman's past statements expressing doubt about vaccine safety and criticizing the CDC drew scrutiny from the lawmakers.
Several former public health officials have endorsed Schwartz's nomination. Dr. Brett Giroir, a former U.S. assistant secretary for health, and Dr. Jerome Adams, a former surgeon general and Schwartz's past supervisor, have voiced their support. Dr. Debra Houry, former chief medical officer at the CDC, stated that Schwartz possesses the necessary qualifications for the role. However, Houry noted that some senators seemed frustrated by Schwartz's responses regarding allegations of political interference at the agency.
The hearing focused on Schwartz's qualifications and her approach to navigating the complexities of public health leadership, particularly concerning the agency's relationship with political leadership and the handling of vaccine-related information.