Kaine backs CDC nominee, signaling path to confirmation

Sen. Tim Kaine says he'll vote to advance Erica Schwartz’s nomination to lead the CDC, signaling momentum for confirmation as the Senate HELP Committee prepares to vote and Cassidy backs her; if confirmed she would likely sail through to a floor vote, despite Democratic concerns about vaccine policy. The live update roundup also notes other nominations and Capitol fights, including Cornyn’s conditions on Todd Blanche, Jay Clayton’s DNI confirmation moving forward, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang meeting lawmakers on AI, a House Ethics probe into Rep. Lance Gooden, and ongoing debates over the filibuster and the Senate schedule ahead of recess.