The Senate confirmed Susan Monarez as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Monarez was confirmed by a vote of 51-47 along party lines on Tuesday evening. Sens. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) were absent.

Monarez, a microbiologist and infectious disease expert who has served across several federal health agencies over the years, was the CDC’s deputy director from January to March.

Susan Monarez is becoming the next director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Senate confirmed her on Tuesday in a 51-47 vote.