President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Susan Monarez, has advanced in the Senate’s confirmation process. On Wednesday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted to advance her nomination, with a 12-11 party-line vote. Monarez, a former acting director of the CDC, has held various health-related roles in the federal government for 20 years, according to committee records. She is seen as a potential bulwark against the vaccine misinformation policies that have been a point of contention within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
During the committee hearing, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) highlighted Monarez’s commitment to transparency and effective communication, stating, “She is committed to improving transparency to CDC and properly communicating health guidance to the American people.” Cassidy emphasized the importance of this role, citing the recent measles outbreak that has resulted in three deaths in the United States—though one tragic case, the death of a Canadian woman who was pregnant, got exposed to measles, and lost her child, remains a cause for concern.
Public health experts have expressed confidence in Monarez’s qualifications, with Dr. Richard Besser, a former acting director of the CDC and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, noting that she faces a complex challenge in balancing her role. “There’s a delicate dance that she will have to do if she wants to maintain her job,” said Besser. “Understanding how to push back and when to push back will be critical to her success.”
Democrats have raised concerns about Monarez’s past association with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been a vocal advocate for vaccine skepticism. Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) stated, “Dr. Monarez stood by while Secretary Kennedy spread misinformation about vaccines.” This criticism comes amid recent changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which Kennedy oversaw before being replaced in an internal HHS reshuffle. The ACIP, an expert panel that approves vaccine recommendations, voted earlier this month to recommend against using thimerosal—a preservative used in vaccines—for all flu shots. This recommendation has been criticized by health agencies, which have long considered thimerosal safe for use in vaccines.
Monarez’s confirmation process has progressed further than her predecessor, Dr. Dave Weldon, Trump’s first pick to lead the CDC. The administration withdrew Weldon due to his history of vaccine skepticism and concerns about his likelihood of getting Senate confirmation. Before the upcoming Senate vote, Monarez will also have significant influence in shaping vaccine access and policy decisions at the agency, particularly with her role in the ACIP. A full Senate vote on her nomination has not yet been scheduled, leaving the final confirmation process in the hands of the full Senate.