CDC Nominee Gains Support After Website Change on Autism Claims
WHO:
The Washington Post - Dr. Erica Schwartz is the nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CNN - Sen. Bill Cassidy is the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
CNN - Sean Kaufman is the nominee to lead the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
CNN - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
WHAT:
CNN - Sen. Bill Cassidy stated that the CDC's autism and vaccines webpage was modified after he objected, calling it a "good-faith effort."
Newser - The CDC's "Autism and Vaccines" page now states: "The claim 'vaccines do not cause autism' is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that infant vaccines cause autism. Studies supporting a link have been ignored by health authorities."
CNN - The Senate’s health committee pushed back a vote to advance two top health care nominations, indicating that Schwartz would win the necessary votes after assurances from the Trump administration.
CNN - The CDC’s autism and vaccines webpage was modified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as a sign of good faith.
CNN - The CDC's website states, “Scientists have not identified the root causes of autism. HHS continues to support rigorous scientific research and will update this page as reliable new evidence becomes available.”
CNN - Cassidy expressed confidence in Schwartz's capabilities and her ability to stand against misinformation regarding vaccines.
WHERE:
CNN - The confirmation hearing took place in the U.S. Senate.
WHEN:
CNN - The Senate health committee was expected to reconvene for votes on health care nominees and the nomination of Keith Sonderling to be secretary of the Department of Labor next week.
WHY:
Newser - Cassidy expressed that the change to the CDC's website influenced his decision to support Schwartz's nomination, emphasizing the importance of vaccines.
CNN - Cassidy stated that the CDC needs a leader who understands the importance of reassuring the public that vaccines are safe and effective.
CNN - Cassidy had concerns about Kaufman due to his past remarks about vaccines, which he believed contributed to confusion on immunizations.
HOW:
CNN - The CDC's website was updated to clarify that “Vaccines do not cause autism is not an evidence-based claim.”
(UPDATED July 24, 2026 13:27 UTC)
Senator Bill Cassidy announced that the CDC's autism and vaccines webpage was updated following his objections, which he described as a "good-faith effort." The revised page now states that the claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not evidence-based, noting that studies suggesting a link have been overlooked by health authorities. Cassidy indicated that this change played a role in his decision to support Schwartz's nomination, highlighting the significance of vaccines in public health.
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(UPDATED July 24, 2026 01:31 UTC)
Dr. Erica Schwartz has been nominated to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while Sean Kaufman is set to head the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, as the Senate's health committee prepares to reconvene for votes on these nominations next week. Senator Bill Cassidy, who chairs the committee, expressed confidence in Schwartz's ability to combat misinformation about vaccines, emphasizing the need for a leader who can reassure the public about their safety and effectiveness. In a related move, the CDC's website has been updated to clarify that the claim "vaccines do not cause autism" is not evidence-based, reflecting ongoing efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services to support rigorous scientific research.