The US Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday in a 51-44 vote. Her appointment makes her the agency's first permanent director in more than a year.
Schwartz was the third nominee put forward by Donald Trump for the position in the last 18 months. This confirmation marks a rare win for the Trump administration after several failed attempts to fill senior health posts.
The new director takes over an agency struggling with low morale, political meddling, and political pressure amid ongoing public health crises. Since Trump returned to office last year, the CDC has lost more than a quarter of its workforce.
Although described as well-qualified for the role, Schwartz crashed and burned during her Senate hearing before the final vote.