On Thursday, a White House official confirmed that former Florida Representative Dave Weldon will no longer be considered for the Director position at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This announcement came shortly before Weldon was scheduled to testify before the Senate’s health committee, highlighting the swift nature of this political decision.

Reasons Behind the Withdrawal

According to sources within the administration, Weldon’s nomination was withdrawn due to a lack of support in the Senate. An official noted that it was evident he “did not have the votes” required for confirmation, which helped prompt the last-minute decision.

Controversy Surrounding Weldon’s Background

Weldon, who has expressed skepticism about vaccines in the past, was anticipated to face tough questions regarding his views during the Senate hearing. His history as a physician and a vaccine critic raised significant concerns among senators, especially in light of recent debates surrounding vaccine safety and public health.

Details of the Withdrawal

In a statement shared with CBS News, Weldon recounted that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was “very upset” by the withdrawal of his nomination. Weldon revealed he received a notification from the White House about 12 hours before the scheduled hearing on Thursday.

Weldon commented, “Bobby Kennedy is a good man who really is passionate about improving the health of the American people… Hopefully they can find someone for CDC who can survive the confirmation process.”

Senate Meetings and Concerns

Reports indicate that Weldon’s interactions with Senate staff, particularly that of Republican Senator Susan Collins, raised significant red flags. Collins communicated her reservations regarding his nomination following a meeting where her staff reportedly challenged Weldon on his vaccine stance. Weldon defended himself, stating that he administers hundreds of vaccines annually in his medical practice, contrary to assertions made by Collins’ staff about his position.

Other Influencing Factors

Further complicating Weldon’s nomination were statements from other Republican senators. It was noted that Senator Bill Cassidy had previously expressed concerns, suggesting he believed Weldon’s anti-vaccine sentiments could hinder his confirmation process. Cassidy’s team, however, later denied that he requested the White House to withdraw Weldon’s nomination.

Public Reaction and Implications for the CDC

The CDC’s handling of vaccine-related issues has been under scrutiny, particularly after it announced plans to revisit inquiries into a potential link between vaccines and autism. Additionally, a meeting of the agency’s outside immunization advisers was canceled unexpectedly, further fueling concerns among senators and public health advocates.

Senator Patty Murray voiced her displeasure after a meeting with Kennedy, remarking, “As we face one of the worst measles outbreaks in years… a vaccine skeptic who spent years spreading lies about safe and proven vaccines should never have been under consideration to lead the foremost agency charged with protecting public health.”

A New Path for the CDC

Weldon’s nomination would have marked a significant change in how CDC directors are confirmed, as he would have been the first to undergo Senate confirmation after a legislative change in 2022. Previously, CDC directors were able to assume their roles without the need for Senate approval.