Senate Committee Advances Dr. Erica Schwartz's CDC Director Nomination

Why it matters locally: Given the CDC's role as the nation's primary public health agency, the nomination of its director has direct implications for public health initiatives and funding that affect West Virginia, including efforts to combat the opioid crisis and address chronic disease.

A Senate committee on Thursday advanced the nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This action occurred after senators had raised questions about her ability to maintain independence from political pressure. Dr. Schwartz's nomination now moves to a vote by the full Senate. The CDC operates as the nation's primary public health agency.