(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Today, the United States Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a confirmation hearing on the nomination of Erica Schwartz to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement in response:
“We had higher hopes but Erica Schwartz’s CDC Director nomination hearing was deeply disappointing—she blew it. Dr. Schwartz denied any knowledge of RFK Jr.’s record of political interference, refused to say whether she would stand up to his anti-science agenda, and dodged questions with empty and evasive platitudes.
“Her extensive qualifications and public health credentials mean nothing if Dr. Schwartz cannot commit to upholding scientific integrity. 314 Action found her testimony alarming and urges Senators to reject Schwartz’s nomination for CDC Director. She failed to demonstrate that she’ll put public health over politics—and that is disqualifying.
“If the CDC Director will not hold RFK Jr. accountable, 314 Action will elect doctors and scientists to Congress who will.”
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314 Action is the only national organization working to recruit, train and elect Democratic scientists across all levels of government—from the Senate down to local school boards. The organization is powered by a grassroots community of over six million people supporting scientists and health care professionals who will use science and facts to address the most urgent issues facing our generation.