CDC nominee says she won't betray science — and backs Kennedy's actions

Dr. Erica Schwartz, the White House pick for CDC director, vowed to "never betray the science" but deflected senators' questions about whether she'd resist political pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The CDC is visibly shaken — more than 3,000 staff have left, morale is low, and there's been a revolving door of short-term leaders, prompting concerns about the agency's ability to lead on outbreaks.
Lawmakers also flagged other appointees and moves to review or cut vaccine programs and mRNA projects, stoking worries about vaccine policy and future pandemic preparedness.