Senate committee advances nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump’s CDC director

On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions voted 12-10 to advance the nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The committee's action moves her nomination forward for consideration by the full Senate.

If confirmed, the 54-year-old would take over as director of the nation's top public health agency. The committee's vote to advance her nomination proceeded despite concerns raised regarding whether she will stand up to political meddling.

Alongside the CDC nomination, the Senate panel also voted to advance President Trump's nominee to lead the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, as well as his pick for Labor secretary.