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Senate HELP Committee Advances CDC, ASPR Nominees Amid Vaccine Debate

7/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Senate HELP Committee advanced Dr. Erica Schwartz’s CDC nomination and Sean Kaufman’s ASPR nomination, voting 12-10 and 12-11 on Thursday.
Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said he will support after talks on removing vaccine-autism claims and assured Kaufman will not influence vaccine policy despite criticism.
Ranking member Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and the National Public Health Coalition called Schwartz’s answers vague and doubted she will shield CDC guidance from pressure.

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Story summary

The Senate HELP Committee advanced Dr. Erica Schwartz’s CDC nomination and Sean Kaufman’s ASPR nomination, voting 12-10 and 12-11 on Thursday.
Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said he will support after talks on removing vaccine-autism claims and assured Kaufman will not influence vaccine policy despite criticism.
Ranking member Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and the National Public Health Coalition called Schwartz’s answers vague and doubted she will shield CDC guidance from pressure.