Dr. Erica Schwartz, the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, acknowledged systemic problems within the agency during her first major staff meeting on August 19, 2026. She committed to advocating for the CDC while tackling burnout and chronic understaffing issues.
The Senate HELP Committee voted to advance President Trump's nominees for CDC director, ASPR, and Labor secretary positions. Dr. Erica Schwartz cleared the Senate committee vote for CDC director.