NEW YORK – A scheduled vote by the Senate health committee to decide on Dr. Erica Schwartz’s nomination for the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was unexpectedly postponed on Thursday.
The panel intends to hold the vote next week, effectively determining whether Schwartz’s nomination will proceed to the entire Senate for consideration. According to the committee’s chair, Senator Bill Cassidy, a family emergency has impacted the Republican turnout needed to secure a supportive vote.
If confirmed, Schwartz, 54, will become the 22nd director of the CDC, the agency responsible for safeguarding the nation against preventable health threats from its Atlanta headquarters.
During her recent confirmation hearing, Schwartz was questioned about her ability to withstand political pressure, leading to an expectation of a tightly contested vote. Senator Cassidy, a key Republican from Louisiana, sought assurance from Schwartz on her approach to potential conflicts with initiatives from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., emphasizing the importance of science-led decision-making.
On Thursday, Cassidy expressed confidence in Schwartz’s ability to resist such pressures effectively.
The CDC has been in turmoil with leadership changes and staff losses since President Donald Trump returned to office last year. The director position is one of a number of high-level HHS health leadership vacancies, including surgeon general and commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.
Another open position is assistant secretary for preparedness and response, a position that oversees readiness for public health emergencies and disasters.
Sean Kaufman has been nominated for the position. He was also questioned at the confirmation hearing earlier this month, with several senators expressing unhappiness with some of statements against vaccination.
The committee decided not to vote on Kaufman’s nomination Thursday. It scheduled to be taken up July 30.
“There are ongoing conversations with the administration on the path forward for Mr. Kaufman’s nomination,” according to a statement from a committee spokesperson.
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