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CDC nominee says she won’t betray science — and also backs Kennedy’s actions
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· July 15, 2026
· 7 min read
By MIKE STOBBE
AP Medical Writer
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 ...
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 Odessa
The turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has significant implications for Odessa , where public health threats can spread quickly in a close-knit community. As the CDC struggles with layoffs, resignations, and political meddling, local health officials may need to take a more proactive role in responding to outbreaks and emergencies. This could put a strain on Ector County's public health resources, which are already tasked with addressing the unique health challenges of the Permian Basin region. The appointment of a new CDC director, such as Dr. Erica Schwartz, will be closely watched by local health officials, who will be looking for a leader who can restore the agency's reputation and provide clear guidance on public health issues. The ability of the CDC to provide timely and accurate information will be crucial in helping Odessa respond to future health crises.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa 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 Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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What is this story about? By MIKE STOBBE
AP Medical Writer
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 ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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