You are correct, I stated it poorly.
The CDC statement is:
"Follow all
state and local recommendations or requirements after travel."
The current CDC regulation is from the Federal Register:
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/pdf/Global-Airline-Testing-Order-RPWSigned-Encrypted-p.pdf.
You get to select one of these options in order to board a flight to the US:
View attachment 642501
So you can show a viral test (PCR or antigen, most likely) or proof that you are within 3 months of having recovered from Covid-19.
Then, once you get back into the US, the quarantine/self-isolation rules apply, per CDC and Executive Order.