Senators Worry Health Agency Vacancies Leave Nation Vulnerable

Senate lawmakers are uneasy that open leadership positions at the federal health department are leaving the country directionless and, at worst, more exposed to public health emergencies.

The Health and Human Services Department doesn’t have leaders for the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The administration still lacks a surgeon general, with President Donald Trump putting forth a third pick last month after his first two failed to move forward in the Senate. This comes at a time when the country is encountering measles outbreaks and concerns over hantavirus.

“It’s a prescription for ...