Shutdown Ends, but Without a Deal; Next CR Runs Until February 8 and more

Advocacy at a Glance offers you the bullet point summary of current advocacy issues associated with the goals of the Alliance for a Stronger FDA.

• Shutdown Ends, but Without a Deal; Next CR Runs Until February 8. After a 3-day shutdown, a new continuing resolution (CR) was adopted that will keep the federal government open until February 8.  However, none of the issues that held up the process were resolved. While a further shutdown seems unlikely, it can’t be ruled out.

This week’s Analysis and Commentary explores the open issues that need to be addressed and why yet another CR might be necessary to finish the funding process.

• State of the Union on 1/30; Budget Release 2/12:  The President’s State of the Union address is next Tuesday, January 30 at 9 p.m. Since the speech is likely to run about an hour, it is possible that as many as 30 topics might be mentioned, with emphasis on the economy, tax reform, immigration and infrastructure, North Korea, etc. Typically, FDA has not come up, but it could happen.

The President's FY 2019 budget (and related legislative requests) is now expected to be sent to Congress no earlier than February 12. The FDA-specific portion usually exceeds 300 pages. Last year'swas 426 pages.  Over the next 2 weeks, the Alliance will provide context and discuss reasonable expectations for this process.

• Commissioner Gottlieb to Address Alliance on February 6.  The Alliance for a Stronger FDA is pleased to announce that Commissioner Gottlieb will address the Alliance in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, February 6 at 4 p.m. (note new date). We hope that all Alliance members will be able to attend and gain more insight into FDA’s priorities. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Carrie Morgan. If you are considering Alliance membership, contact Steven Grossman.