At Wednesday’s Senate health committee hearing, Chairman Lamar Alexander said that Dr. Scott Gottlieb has “impressive qualifications from nearly every perspective” and is the right person to lead the Food and Drug Administration and its “vital mission” for patients.
“The Food and Drug Administration has always been important,” Senator Alexander said, “but there’s never been a more important time to capitalize on the significant funding Congress has given to medical research—and to realize the promise of 21st Century Cures. The FDA affects nearly every single American and regulates about a quarter of all consumer spending in the United States—over $4 trillion annually. It is responsible for product areas as diverse as prescription drugs for humans and animals, medical devices, biologics, dietary supplements, cosmetics, over-the-counter medications, food, and tobacco products.
“If confirmed to lead the Food and Drug Administration as its Commissioner, you will be in charge of steering the agency responsible for assuring the safety and effectiveness of our nation’s medical products and protecting our country’s food supply. And my hope is that you will help move the agency forward – so that America’s patients benefit from the remarkable discoveries our nation’s researchers are working on."
"Your first order of business will be to work with us on the reauthorization of the user fee agreements,” Senator Alexander said. “We’ve had over 15 bipartisan briefings on the user fees going back to late 2015. Senator Murray and I have held two bipartisan hearings on the reauthorization—our second one yesterday. I support quickly moving the reauthorization recommendations sent to us in January and I am committed to working with the administration and all members of this committee to reauthorize the user fees before August 1.”