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US Senate confirms Schwartz as CDC director

US Senate confirms Schwartz as CDC director

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON, Aug 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Wednesday confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as director of the U.S. CDC, handing the Trump administration a rare win after repeated failed attempts to fill top health posts. Schwartz, U.S.
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Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director, bringing new leadership to troubled agency

Senate confirms Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director, bringing new leadership to troubled agency

Dr. Erica Schwartz has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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U.S. Senate Advances Key Nominations and Appropriations Before Summer Recess

U.S. Senate Advances Key Nominations and Appropriations Before Summer Recess

The U.S. Senate is working to advance several key nominations and appropriations before the summer recess. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions has advanced the nominations of Dr. Erica Schwartz for CDC director, Sean Schwartz for assistant secretary for preparedness and response, and Keith Sonderling for secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, a continuing resolution has been released to fund the federal government through December 11, 2026, with initial procedural votes scheduled for this week.
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President Trump Advocates for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

President Trump Advocates for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

President Donald Trump is advocating for the permanent adoption of daylight saving time, urging the Senate to pass legislation that would eliminate the biannual clock changes. Trump argues that the current system is inconvenient and costly, particularly for remote areas. He claims that a majority of Americans support making daylight saving time permanent, citing benefits such as reduced crime rates, fewer car accidents, and lower health risks. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed the bill, but it faces challenges in the Senate. Trump is calling on lawmakers, especially Republicans, to support the measure, emphasizing its potential to unite different political factions.
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Trump Administration's Push for Court-Ordered Mental Health Care Faces Scrutiny

Trump Administration's Push for Court-Ordered Mental Health Care Faces Scrutiny

The Trump administration is advocating for the expansion of court-ordered mental health care, known as involuntary outpatient treatment, across the United States. A recent evaluation of New York's system has raised questions about the effectiveness of such programs. The study found that while assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) reduced hospitalizations and arrests, voluntary treatment achieved similar outcomes. The report suggests reallocating funds towards voluntary services, highlighting concerns about coercion and harm experienced by individuals under AOT orders. The debate continues over the balance between involuntary and voluntary mental health care.
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RFK Jr. Criticizes Fauci and Revives Vaccine Misinformation in CNN Interview

RFK Jr. Criticizes Fauci and Revives Vaccine Misinformation in CNN Interview

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared on CNN's 'State of the Union' with Dana Bash, where he criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci and revived debunked claims about vaccines. Kennedy attributed the blame for pandemic lockdowns to Fauci, while defending President Trump, who was in office at the pandemic's onset. Kennedy's comments come after Fauci's recent congressional hearing, where he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights. Kennedy's stance reflects a growing division over public health authority, as he challenges mainstream scientific consensus on vaccines and public health measures. His remarks coincide with a resurgence of measles in the U.S., attributed to vaccine misinformation.
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Senate Introduces Spending Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown Before Election

Senate Introduces Spending Bill to Prevent Government Shutdown Before Election

The U.S. Senate has unveiled a short-term spending bill designed to fund the federal government through December 11, thereby avoiding a government shutdown before the upcoming election. The bill, which maintains current funding levels, is set to be voted on by the Senate this week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the importance of passing the bill to prevent another shutdown, citing recent shutdowns as a significant concern. The bill still requires approval from the House, which has already passed its own version without certain White House-requested exceptions.
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Protect College Sports Act set for Senate floor vote after cloture announced

Protect College Sports Act set for Senate floor vote after cloture announced

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Wednesday moved for cloture on the Protect College Sports Act, putting the legislation in line for vote before August recess.
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Congressman Greg Landsman Advocates for Haitian Families Amid Deportation Concerns

Congressman Greg Landsman Advocates for Haitian Families Amid Deportation Concerns

Congressman Greg Landsman is actively working to support Haitian families in Ohio who are facing deportation. President Trump has initiated actions to deport tens of thousands of Haitians, prompting families in Ohio to receive Notices to Appear from ICE. Landsman argues that Haiti is currently a dangerous place due to gang violence, and many Haitians in Ohio are contributing to the community as home health workers. He emphasizes the importance of extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for these individuals, which has been passed in the House and awaits Senate approval. Landsman is collaborating with local and state officials to address the situation and prevent the deportation of these families.
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Trump Administration Faces Allegations Over Gas Plant Emissions in Mississippi

Trump Administration Faces Allegations Over Gas Plant Emissions in Mississippi

The Trump administration is under scrutiny following allegations by the NAACP regarding a gas plant operated by xAI in Southaven, Mississippi. The NAACP claims that xAI, a company founded by Elon Musk, built and operated 27 natural gas-fired turbines without obtaining the necessary Clean Air Act permits. These turbines, which power xAI's Colossus 2 data center, allegedly release harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde, which can lead to increased rates of asthma, respiratory diseases, heart problems, and certain cancers. The Trump administration has been criticized for attempting to block public enforcement of environmental protection laws, arguing that citizen suits should not proceed when the federal government does not oppose the polluting behavior.
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U.S. Senators Demand Restoration of Cancelled Energy Project Funds

U.S. Senators Demand Restoration of Cancelled Energy Project Funds

A group of 39 U.S. Senators, led by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed, have called on the Trump Administration to restore federal funding for 223 energy projects that were canceled in October 2025. The cancellation was reportedly based on political motivations, targeting states that did not vote for President Trump in the 2024 election. The Senators argue that this decision undermines the rule of law and the democratic principle that the federal government should serve all Americans, not just those who support the President. The letter to the Department of Energy and the Office of Management and Budget demands the reinstatement of over $7.5 billion in grants.
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Cubans struggle to bounce back after 6th nationwide blackout this year

Cubans struggle to bounce back after 6th nationwide blackout this year

Cubans are recovering from the sixth islandwide blackout this year