Additional Coverage:
Susan Monarez Confirmed as CDC Director Amidst Controversy
In a 51-47 vote split along party lines, the Senate confirmed Susan Monarez as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday. Nominated by President Trump in March, Monarez, lauded by the president as “an incredible mother and dedicated public servant,” has served as acting head of the CDC since January.
Her background includes leading the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. While holding a Ph.D., Monarez’s lack of a medical degree distinguishes her from many recent CDC directors.
The CDC has stated that Monarez brings “decades of distinguished experience” in various health-related fields, including health innovation, disaster preparedness, global health, and biosecurity. The agency expressed confidence in her ability to advance its mission.
Monarez’s confirmation hearing on July 9th before the Senate HELP committee saw both praise and scrutiny. Republican Chairman Sen.
Bill Cassidy commended her commitment to restoring public trust in the CDC following the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversely, Democratic committee members pressed her on potential funding cuts to health programs and research, and voiced concerns about the CDC’s role under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.
Key topics of discussion during the hearing included vaccines, fluoride, and Kennedy’s stance on public health issues. Monarez refuted Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines and autism, stating she has “not seen a causal link.”
She emphasized the importance of measles vaccination amidst the year’s outbreak and committed to prioritizing vaccine availability if confirmed. Regarding fluoride, another topic of interest to Kennedy, Monarez acknowledged its importance in oral health.
She also affirmed the safety of Potomac, Maryland’s fluoridated water supply in response to a direct question from Sen. Angela Alsobrooks.
Senators also questioned Monarez about her anticipated interactions with Kennedy, particularly concerning his views on measles. While acknowledging Kennedy’s stated value for independent thinking and science-based decisions, Monarez emphasized her own commitment to these principles. When pressed about specific disagreements with the secretary, she reiterated measles’ potential lethality, contrasting it with Kennedy’s downplaying of the disease’s risks.