Senate HELP committee favorably reports CDC nominee Dr. Menares

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on an expedited vote favorably reported the nomination of Dr. Menares to be director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Chairman Bill Cassidy opened the session and said Dr. Menares "is committed to improving transparency at the CDC and properly communicating health guidance to the American people," and urged colleagues to support the nomination. Senator Bernie Sanders said he would oppose the nomination, citing what he described as the Trump administration's cuts to public‑health funding, removal of public health data, and personnel actions while Dr. Menares served in an acting role.

The committee completed a roll call and the clerk announced that "the ayes have it" and that the nomination would be favorably reported to the full Senate. Several senators voted "aye" during the roll call, and Senator Patty Murray was recorded as voting "no." The clerk announced a tally in the hearing as twelve ayes and eleven noes prior to report.

Senator Sanders said his opposition reflected broader concerns about the administration’s public‑health priorities, including recent measles outbreaks and alleged reductions in infectious‑disease funding. Chairman Cassidy and other supporters emphasized the nominee’s experience and the need for a CDC leader focused on science and restoring public trust.

The committee adjourned the session after Senator Murray made a brief statement.