Senate committee postpones vote on whether to advance CDC director nominee

The Senate health committee delayed a planned vote on whether to advance Dr. Erica Schwartz's nomination to lead the CDC.

Committee chair Sen. Bill Cassidy said a family emergency affected the number of Republicans needed to be present to vote yes.

If approved, Schwartz would become the 22nd director of the CDC, which protects Americans from preventable health threats.

Cassidy decided Schwartz can resist political pressure from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. if it conflicts with science-based decision making.

The committee also postponed a vote on Sean Kaufman's nomination for assistant secretary for preparedness and response, scheduling it for July 30.