The US Senate voted on Tuesday to confirm party lines, 51 to 47, Susan Monarez as the new director of the Disease Control and Prevention Center.
President Trump Nomated him For the role in March, praising him as “an incredible mother and dedicated public servant”, who understand the importance of “our children, our communities and the defense of our future.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
Serving as Monarez Acting head Since January, CDC, and first worked as the head of advanced research projects agency for health. She was seen as some stunning pick for CDC role because of most of the opposite recent CDC director, he is a Ph.D. But there is not a medical doctor.
CDC Said The Monarez “agency” brings a reputed experience of decades in health innovation, disaster preparations, global health and bio -safety, and will help pursue the “mission to make the mission again healthy”.
Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (Assistance) Committee in the hearing On 9 JulyMonarez praised the Republican Chairman, Sen Bill Cassidi, a physician who is for the commitment of reconstruction of the public trust in view of the Kovid -19 epidemic. The committee’s Democrats grilled them about the impact of deduction in federal funding for health programs and medical research, and expressed concern about the role of CDC under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert f. Kennedy Junior.
Monarez was questioned by the committee members about a series of health subjects. There are some highlights here.
Monarez on vaccines
Monarez faced several questions about the vaccine recommendations. Kennedy Has been a long time Vaccine critic Who has pushed Infamous principle Connecting routine childhood shots with autism, but during his hearing, Monarez denied the scene and said he had “not seen a reason between vaccines and autism.”
Growing up Measles outbreak This year, Kennedy is Accepted the efficacy of vaccine Against the disease, while still he supports personal choice. In a March 1 interview with CBS News, Kennedy publicly encouraged people Get measles vaccine,
Monarez said in his confirmation hearing, “If I have been confirmed as the Director of CDC, I am eager to support the Secretary with science and evidence, and ensure that I am giving them the best information.” “Measles is a significant health danger and we have to ensure that we are doing everything we can stop and reduce it.”
If CDC’s vaccine is made up of a newly made panel, new, Monarez was also asked about the continuous availability and strength of vaccines. Rfk junior appointmentsChanges the recommendations.
“The vaccines completely save life, and if I am confirmed as CDC Director, I am committed to ensure that we continue to prioritize the vaccine availability,” he said.
Monarez on Fluoride
FluorideAnother theme is Spotlight by Kennedy, there was also a topic of discussion during the hearing of Monarez. This year, two states, Uta And FloridaIt became the first person to ban the use of fluoride in drinking water, where it has been added for decades to help prevent tooth decay.
“Fluoride is an important component for oral health, and there are different aspects of using fluoride to improve oral health – a direct application can be very valuable,” said Monarez.
Maryland’s Democratic Sen Angela Alsobrox specifically asked Monerez whether water in Potomac, Maryland, which has fluoridation, is safe for families.
Monarez replied: “I believe water in Potomac, Maryland is safe.”
Monarez on RFK Junior and Khasra Outbreak
The measles came again and again as the senators questioned Monarez how she would interact with Kennedy in her role in CDC.
“Directors of CDC cannot do this important role until they are politically independent until they are politically independent. Which means you should be ready to disagree with political leaders on the basis of scientific evidence.” “So, is there anything that you disagree with Secretary Kennedy?”
“If I have been confirmed as CDC Director, I am eager to discuss technical discussions with the secretary. He has said that he believes values and prioritize independent thinking and uses science to make decisions,” Monarez replied. “I am an independent thinker, and I am a scientist, and I will welcome the opportunity to share my opinion based on science and evidence with it because he makes some very difficult decisions.”
Monerez explained a question of Hasan whether he disagrees to do anything from Kennedy, the Senator became more specific, asking about Kennedy’s claim that it is “very difficult for measles to kill a healthy person.” This year’s Measles outbreakCentered in West Texas, killed Two children Doctors said that there was no previous health status.
Monarez replied that measles is a “significant public health threat” that could be fatal.
Alexander Tin contributed to this report.
