Today, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as the next Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s the first time the CDC has had a permanent director in nearly a year. In response, 314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement:
“The CDC has not had a permanent director since last August. The grave void of competent health department leadership is unprecedented for an administration well into its second year, and has left our nation far more vulnerable to public health threats, like measles, screwworm and cyclosporiasis, with deadly consequences.
“As dangerous outbreaks spread across the country, threatening our schools, our farmers, and our children, we need public health leaders who are willing to stand up to RFK Jr. and his co-conspirators, and put science back in charge. Dr. Schwartz should have been a step in the right direction but her nomination hearing showed she will be a loyal foot soldier for the Trump agenda.
“If she couldn’t answer basic questions honestly and directly before Congress, it’s difficult to imagine how she can serve effectively. With her confirmation today, 314 Action vows to hold her accountable to restore trust in the CDC. Americans deserve a leader who will defend public health and follow the science, even when it’s politically inconvenient.”