Third time’s a charm for CDC director as Senate finally confirms Erica Schwartz as new agency head

The Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a 51-44 vote. Schwartz, with a background in medicine, law, and leadership roles at the U.S. Coast Guard and as deputy surgeon general, becomes the agency's first confirmed director in nearly a year. The CDC has faced political challenges, staff losses, and leadership instability under recent administrations.