The Senate health committee voted to advance two nominees to key federal health positions on Thursday. Erica Schwartz, nominated to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, received backing from all Republican committee members and Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, while other Democrats opposed her nomination. Sean Kaufman, tapped for the assistant secretary position overseeing preparedness and response, secured unanimous Republican support with all Democrats voting against him.
Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, announced his support for both candidates despite previous concerns about some of Kaufman’s public statements regarding vaccine safety. Cassidy indicated that his backing followed assurances from Department of Health and Human Services officials regarding unspecified personnel changes and a commitment to restrict Kaufman’s involvement in vaccine policy decisions. Cassidy’s choice to support the nominations follows a similar decision in February 2025 when he voted to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the health department after receiving commitments from administration officials.
Kaufman’s nomination had generated particular scrutiny after his confirmation hearing, where Cassidy confronted him about past social media posts questioning vaccine safety and linking the hepatitis B birth dose to autism cases. Research has not established a connection between vaccines and autism prevalence. During the committee vote, Cassidy characterized Kaufman’s prior remarks as “stupid and irresponsible,” noting that Kaufman acknowledged these statements in private conversations and endorsed vaccines during his opening testimony.
The nominees are now expected to advance to the full Senate floor, where their confirmations are considered likely. The committee still must consider additional health nominees, including Nicole Saphier for surgeon general. Cassidy indicated limited time remains in his tenure after losing his reelection bid this year following public criticism from Trump and Kennedy regarding his positions on their health agenda.
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