Monarez during her June 25 confirmation hearing. Photo: Matt McClain / The Washington Post via Getty Images
The Senate HELP Committee on Wednesday narrowly advanced the nomination of Susan Monarez for CDC director on a 12–11 party-line vote.
Why it matters: The vote puts Monarez on track to become the first Senate-confirmed head of the agency, taking the helm at a time of increased vaccine skepticism, measles outbreaks and upheaval at the CDC's vaccine advisory panel.
- The agency also is still facing criticism from Republicans for its role in the pandemic response, and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing for it to focus more on chronic diseases.
Between the lines: Monarez is a career government scientist and has been serving as acting CDC director. She's also previously served as the deputy director of ARPA-H.
- She has a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin and served in the White House in the Office of Science and Technology Policy, as well as on the National Security Council.
Flashback: During her HELP confirmation hearing, Monarez walked a fine line on vaccines, saying she hadn't seen a connection between vaccines and autism while declining to directly criticize Kennedy.
What they're saying: "The United States needs a CDC director who makes decisions rooted in science, a leader who will reform the agency and work to restore public trust in health institutions," said HELP Chair Bill Cassidy.
- "With decades of proven experience as a public health official, Dr. Monarez is ready to take on this challenge," Cassidy added.
Although Democrats didn't dispute Monarez's credentials, they pointed to the leadership of HHS and recent decisions made by Kennedy as reasons for voting against the nomination.
- "Dr. Monarez, who has served as Trump's acting CDC director, has done nothing to stand in the way" of Kennedy and the president's actions, said HELP Ranking Member Bernie Sanders.
- "Under her watch, the Trump administration has illegally delayed or canceled $11 billion in public health funding to fight infectious disease and to prepare for the next pandemic.… Monarez stood by while Secretary Kennedy spread misinformation about vaccines," Sanders said.
What's next: Monarez's nomination heads to the Senate floor. The position was made subject to confirmation under a 2023 law following criticism of the agency's role during COVID-19.
