President Donald Trump’s nominee for the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Susan Monarez, has successfully moved one step further in the confirmation process, following a vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday.

Monarez, who previously served as acting director of the agency and boasts a 20-year tenure in various health-related federal roles, was advanced on a strict party-line vote of 12-11. Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) praised her commitment to enhancing the CDC's transparency and effectiveness in public health communication. “She is committed to improving transparency at the CDC and properly communicating health guidance to the American people,” Cassidy remarked, highlighting the urgency as the nation faces public health threats such as a recent measles outbreak.

The outbreak has resulted in three fatalities in the U.S. this year and numerous hospitalizations, exacerbated by widespread misinformation about the measles vaccine. “This is especially crucial as the nations combat reemerging public health threats like measles,” Cassidy added, referencing a particularly tragic case involving a Canadian woman.

While Republicans laud Monarez’s qualifications and leadership capabilities, Democrats express concern, particularly over her previous inactions in counteracting misinformation spread by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic. Ranking member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) criticized Monarez for her silence during Kennedy’s controversial statements on vaccines.

Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, noted that Monarez faces a challenging road ahead. “There's a delicate dance that she will have to do if she wants to maintain her job,” he said, emphasizing the importance of strategic resistance to preserve public health policies.

The nomination also coincides with significant changes in vaccine policy oversight, following Kennedy’s overhaul of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Last month, Kennedy dismissed all previous members, appointing new ones aligned with his views, which subsequently led to a contentious decision to stop recommending thimerosal-containing flu vaccines. As CDC director, Monarez would have crucial influence over these policies, pending approval from either herself or the HHS secretary before they become official.

Monarez has progressed further in the Senate than Trump’s initial choice, Dr. Dave Weldon, who faced considerable opposition due to his vaccine-skeptical views and ultimately did not secure enough support to advance.

As the full Senate vote on Monarez’s nomination awaits scheduling, the political and public health communities watch closely, recognizing the potential impact of her confirmation on the nation’s health landscape.