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Trump's Health Agenda Hindered by Unfilled Key Positions

3/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Trump administration's health agenda struggles due to unfilled key public health positions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been without a permanent director for over 210 days, with interim chief Jay Bhattacharya in charge.
Casey Means' nomination for surgeon general is stalled in the Senate amid skepticism about her qualifications, including her lack of a medical license and board certification.
Republican senators Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski have voiced concerns about Means, while Senator Rand Paul has called for pressure on them to vote.

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Story summary

The Trump administration's health agenda struggles due to unfilled key public health positions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been without a permanent director for over 210 days, with interim chief Jay Bhattacharya in charge.
Casey Means' nomination for surgeon general is stalled in the Senate amid skepticism about her qualifications, including her lack of a medical license and board certification.
Republican senators Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski have voiced concerns about Means, while Senator Rand Paul has called for pressure on them to vote.