A Senate committee has approved Susan Monarez to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moving her one step closer to officially taking the top job at the nation’s leading public health agency.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee voted 12-11 on Wednesday to send Monarez’s nomination to the full Senate. The vote followed party lines, with all Democrats opposing her confirmation.
Monarez, 50, would become the first CDC director to go through Senate confirmation, a new requirement under a 2023 law. She has served as acting director since January and was formally nominated in March after President Donald Trump withdrew his initial pick, David Weldon.
Background in Science and Public Service
Monarez holds a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin and completed postdoctoral work at Stanford University. Before joining the CDC, she held various government positions focused on biosecurity and health technology.
Despite her scientific credentials, her nomination comes at a time of major upheaval within the CDC. The agency has faced staff shortages, key resignations, and fierce public debate over new vaccine policies introduced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Controversy Over Vaccine Policies
During a recent Senate hearing, Monarez said she supports vaccines, public health strategies, and science-based decisions. However, she avoided directly answering questions about whether she disagrees with Kennedy, a vocal vaccine skeptic who has overturned some of the CDC’s long-standing policies.
Critics argue that Monarez has not done enough to push back against Kennedy’s actions.
“Unfortunately, Dr. Monarez — who has served as Trump’s acting CDC director — has done nothing to stand in the way,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, on Wednesday.
CDC in Transition
The CDC, based in Atlanta, was originally created nearly 80 years ago to combat malaria. Over the years, it evolved into a global leader in public health, managing disease outbreaks and promoting health education worldwide.
However, recent policy shifts and leadership gaps have left the agency at a crossroads. Many former CDC officials and scientists have spoken out against what they see as politically motivated changes that could harm the agency’s reputation and effectiveness.
Monarez now awaits a full Senate vote that will determine whether she will officially lead the CDC during one of the most challenging periods in its history.
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