Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was reviewed by a U.S. Senate committee on Wednesday, as the nation's top public health agency continues to navigate a period of leadership instability and significant staff losses.
Schwartz, 54, has a background in military health leadership, having overseen clinics and vaccination policies within the U.S. Coast Guard. She also previously served as deputy surgeon general, working with medical and health professionals in government agencies, including the CDC.
The CDC, which is responsible for protecting Americans from health threats, has experienced considerable turmoil, particularly since 2023. The agency has lost more than a quarter of its workforce, with over 3,000 employees departing due to layoffs and resignations. This has led to a succession of mostly temporary leaders, many of whom have been political appointees with limited public health or medical expertise, contributing to low morale.
Dr. David Margolius, director of Cleveland's health department, noted that while dedicated staff remain at the CDC, the agency's role as an authoritative voice during outbreaks has diminished, leading to a less unified national response.
The administration's previous attempts to fill the CDC director position have faced obstacles. The first nominee, former Florida congressman Dr. David Weldon, had his confirmation hearing canceled. Susan Monarez, who had been serving as acting director, was confirmed but subsequently removed after less than a month, with administration officials citing a lack of alignment with their agenda.
Several key scientific leaders resigned following Monarez's dismissal, expressing concern about political interference in the agency's research and recommendations. Since then, the acting director role has seen frequent changes, with National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya most recently overseeing the agency.
In April, President Trump nominated Schwartz, describing her as "incredibly talented." Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. approved of the choice but declined to commit to supporting future vaccine guidance she might issue.
Schwartz has disclosed her financial interests and potential conflicts of interest. If confirmed, she plans to resign from her current position at UnitedHealth Group, where she earns a substantial salary and bonus, and to cash out her stock options. She also intends to resign from the boards of Butterfly Network Inc., Aveanna Healthcare, and the Searching for Solutions Institute.
Also considered at Wednesday's hearing was the nomination of Sean Kaufman for Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). This role is crucial for overseeing preparedness and response to public health emergencies. The ASPR office is involved in decisions regarding funding for next-generation vaccines. Kaufman has previously expressed skepticism about childhood hepatitis B vaccinations and has served as an expert witness for individuals refusing COVID-19 vaccines.