Former public-health officials have expressed support for Schwartz’s nomination, including Dr. Brett Giroir, a former U.S. assistant secretary for health, and Dr. Jerome Adams, a former surgeon general and Schwartz’s former boss.
Dr. Debra Houry, CDC’s former chief medical officer who resigned in protest from the agency after Monarez’s ouster, told TIME that Schwartz “has the right qualifications” for the job.
Houry observed, however, that several senators appeared frustrated during Schwartz’s confirmation hearing because of her failure to provide direct answers to questions about political interference.
Alongside Schwartz, the senators also heard testimony on Wednesday from Sean Kaufman, nominated by Trump to serve as the assistant secretary for strategic preparedness and response at HHS. Kaufman was questioned by senators about his views on public health and vaccines, including comments he made in the past casting doubt on the safety of vaccines. In a 2022 video, Kaufman said he hated the CDC.
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