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CDC nominee says she won't betray science — and also backs Kennedy's actions
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 15, 2026
· 7 min read
The Trump administration's latest nominee to lead the nation' top public health agency drew frustrated reactions from some U.S. senators on Wednesday when they pressed her on whether she would protect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from political meddling.Dr. Erica Schwartz told t...
Key takeaway Erica Schwartz told the Senate health committee she "will never betray the science and pledged to use radical transparency in a bid to rebuild public trust in the agency.
Why this matters in The Waco
The nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to lead the CDC has significant implications for Waco residents, who rely on the agency for guidance on public health issues. As the CDC navigates turmoil and a loss of over 3,000 employees, local health departments in McLennan County may face increased challenges in responding to outbreaks and health emergencies. The agency's diminished reputation and lack of authoritative leadership could lead to a fragmented approach to public health, with local departments like Waco's having to fend for themselves. This could be particularly concerning for Waco, given its own experiences with public health challenges. The city's residents will be watching closely to see how Dr. Schwartz's leadership, if confirmed, will impact the CDC's ability to support local health initiatives and provide timely guidance on emerging health threats.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Trump administration's latest nominee to lead the nation' top public health agency drew frustrated reactions from some U.S. senators on Wednesday when they pressed her on whether she would protect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from political meddling.Dr. Erica Schwartz told t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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