3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 23
Summary
Bill Cassidy said Thursday he will support Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC after HHS revised a CDC webpage on vaccines and autism that had drawn his objections.
The page still says vaccines may be linked to autism, but now adds that scientists “have not identified the root causes” of the disorder, a change Cassidy called a sign of good faith.
Schwartz had faced sharp questioning last week over whether she would resist Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vaccine skepticism, despite testifying strongly for vaccine safety and efficacy.
A Senate health committee vote that was expected Thursday was pushed to next week because Senator Lisa Murkowski was absent for a family emergency.
Cassidy’s backing eases a key hurdle for Trump’s nominee as the CDC seeks permanent leadership during public-health strains and amid concern over Kennedy’s influence.