Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, R-La., said Thursday that he will support President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Erica Schwartz.

The move is a shift from the skepticism he expressed during her confirmation hearing last week.

At that hearing, Cassidy repeatedly pressed Schwartz on whether she would exert full control over the agency and stand up to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on vaccines, including by removing officials who sought to link vaccines to autism.

Schwartz declined to say whether she would defy Kennedy, frustrating senators, including Cassidy, who questioned whether the CDC could maintain stable, independent leadership after months of upheaval.

Cassidy told her he was disappointed she had dodged his questions.

Speaking Thursday, however, Cassidy said he had become convinced Schwartz was prepared to lead the agency.

"CDC needs someone who understands that the way to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases is to reassure the public that vaccines are safe and effective," Cassidy said during a meeting of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

"After speaking with Dr. Schwartz again after the hearing, reviewing the transcript, and speaking to those who have served with her and know her well, I'm confident that she knows what she is doing and will stand against those who do not," Cassidy said.

Cassidy also cited what he called a "sign of good faith," noting that the Department of Health and Human Services modified its website to say, "vaccines do not cause autism." 

As of Thursday, a modified disclaimer was still there.

"There's more to do to repair the damage that has been done to the U.S. public health response, but this is a start," he added. "If confirmed, I look forward to working with Dr. Schwartz to protect children's health and regain trust in the CDC."

The committee Thursday postponed its vote on Schwartz's nomination until next week, citing attendance issues, a committee spokesperson said.

The committee's margin is narrow. Republicans hold a 12-11 majority, meaning Cassidy or any other GOP member could effectively block Schwartz's nomination if Democrats unanimously oppose it. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the committee's ranking member, said he would vote against her.

Reuters contributed to this report.