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• Posted July 10, 2025

Susan Monarez Advances in Process to Lead CDC

Susan Monarez is one step closer to becoming the next director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate’s health committee voted 12-11 to move her nomination forward. The vote was along party lines, with all Democrats voting no, The Associated Press reported.

If confirmed by the full Senate, Monarez would be the first CDC director to go through Senate confirmation, a process put into place in 2023.

Monarez, 50, was named acting CDC director in January after former nominee Dr. David Weldon was withdrawn. She was nominated in March by President Donald Trump.

She holds a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the University of Wisconsin and completed postdoctoral work at Stanford University. 

Before joining the CDC, Monarez worked in government roles focused on health technology and biosecurity, The AP said.

The CDC has faced months of instability, including staff cuts, resignations and changes to long-standing vaccine guidelines. 

These changes have been led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has criticized many of the CDC’s past policies.

During a hearing last month, Monarez told lawmakers she supports vaccines, science and public health interventions. She did not say whether her views conflict with Kennedy’s, The AP said.

“Unfortunately, Dr. Monarez — who has served as Trump’s acting CDC director — has done nothing to stand in the way” of Kennedy’s actions, said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during Wednesday’s meeting.

Based in Atlanta, the CDC was founded nearly 80 years ago to stop the spread of malaria. Since then, its mission has grown to include tracking both infectious and chronic diseases.

More information

Learn more about the role of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SOURCE: The Associated Press, July 9, 2025