Senate to Vote on Confirmation of FDA Nominee
‘At a time when the prescription-opioid epidemic is tearing families and communities apart in our country, it’s clear we need strong leadership at the FDA…Today we will consider the nomination of someone who I think can help lead the agency in a new direction…The FDA should expect continued rigorous oversight in the way the agency addresses this epidemic in the future.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement today regarding the Senate vote to confirm Robert Califf to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
“At a time when the prescription-opioid epidemic is tearing families and communities apart in our country, it’s clear we need strong leadership at the FDA. This is an agency that can play a leading role in addressing the crisis through its drug-approval process, but it’s also an agency that’s been rightly criticized for not recognizing the severity of such a significant problem and for not taking greater action to address it.
“Today we will consider the nomination of someone who I think can help lead the agency in a new direction.
“I recently met with Dr. Califf and raised my concerns and desire for the FDA to take a more assertive role in addressing this serious epidemic. He shared with me his proposed plan for dealing with the issue and for establishing a necessary cultural shift at the agency.
“I plan to support his nomination today and I look forward to working with him.
“That said, I’ve proudly led many efforts over the years to push the FDA to take a stronger approach when it comes to ending today’s prescription-opioid epidemic. I don’t plan to let up now.
“The FDA should expect continued rigorous oversight in the way the agency addresses this epidemic in the future.”
Related Issues: Nominations
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