Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said that Dr. Scott Gottlieb, confirmed by the Senate Tuesday by a vote of 57-42 to lead the Food and Drug Administration, “will help American families benefit from the promise of 21st Century Cures.”
“The FDA has always been important—but there has never been a more important time for the agency,” Senator Alexander said. “Under Dr. Gottlieb’s leadership, the FDA can capitalize on the significant funding Congress has given to medical research and make sure that patients benefit from last year’s 21st Century Cures Act, which Majority Leader McConnell called ‘the most important legislation of the year.’
“I look forward to working with Dr. Gottlieb on a successful implementation of the Cures law to help virtually every American live a healthier life, and on a prompt reauthorization of the medical product user fee agreements before the August recess. Dr. Gottlieb is the right pick to lead the FDA, and we are fortunate he is willing to serve.”
Senator Alexander chaired Dr. Gottlieb’s confirmation hearing on April 5, and the HELP committee met on April 27 to approve his nomination.
Dr. Gottlieb has held several positions at the FDA, serving as FDA deputy commissioner, as senior advisor to the FDA commissioner, and the agency’s director of Medical Policy Development.