Erica Schwartz CDC confirmation hearing

Dr. Erica Schwartz, nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee on July 15, 2026, for her confirmation hearing. Schwartz, a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps with degrees in medicine, law, and public health, previously served as chief medical officer of the U.S. Coast Guard and deputy surgeon general in the first Trump administration. If confirmed, she will work under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of anti-vaccine advocacy and has clashed with previous CDC directors. Schwartz pledged to restore trust through 'radical transparency' and scientific integrity, but faced questions about how she would handle political pressure from Kennedy. The hearing also included Sean Kaufman, nominated to lead the United States — Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), who faced scrutiny over past anti-vaccine statements. The CDC has been in turmoil, losing over 3,000 employees and experiencing rapid leadership turnover, including the firing of previous director Susan Monarez after less than a month. Schwartz is expected to be confirmed, but the role presents significant challenges amid ongoing political interference and low morale.