The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz on Wednesday as the new director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, giving the federal public health agency a permanent leader after months of instability. The Senate approved her nomination by a 51–44 vote.

Schwartz is a physician, attorney and retired rear admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. She previously served as deputy surgeon general during President Donald Trump’s first administration and as chief medical officer for the U.S. Coast Guard.

During her confirmation process, senators questioned Schwartz about vaccines, scientific independence and her ability to resist political pressure. She pledged to protect scientific integrity, improve transparency and work to rebuild public trust in the CDC.

Schwartz takes charge as the agency faces major public health challenges, workforce reductions and concerns about confidence in federal health guidance. Her leadership will be closely watched as the CDC responds to disease outbreaks and ongoing debates surrounding national vaccine policy.