Advocacy at a Glance

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.

• Nothing Happened This Week ... But the Quiet Won’t Last Long. Congress returns to DC next week and one of the most important agenda items will be completing FY 19 appropriations bills by September 30. Reportedly, the conferees on the first mini-bus bill (HR 5895, covering Energy and Water, Military Construction, and Legislative Branch) will start meeting next week and most items have been agreed upon. Thereafter, we can look for appointment of conferees and scheduling on the two other mini-buses passed by the Senate. Ag/FDA appropriations are in the second minibus; Labor-HHS in the third. The political dynamics of the various bills and the likelihood of House/Senate agreements were discussed in last week’s Analysis and Commentary. Also, it is possible that Senate and House may work into early October, which might mean very short CR funding, replaced by appropriations bills by mid-October.

• Rumors Everywhere: Senate Changes in 302(b) Allocations? CR To Be Added to DOD Funding Bill? Speculation about September seems to be increasing as we head into the holiday weekend. We hear that the Senate may change its 302(b) allocations, which tell each appropriations subcommittee how much they can spend. If true, changes might reflect evolving Senate priorities or just fix a problem created by the House and Senate having different 302(b) allocations (described in the second to last paragraph here). Rumors also abound as to when to expect (and what vehicle will be used to pass) a CR for whatever part of the government remains unfunded ahead of the pre-election recess. FDA could be impacted by any maneuvering that might increase or decrease the funds available for Ag/FDA programs.

• Prospects for a Post-Election Session Might Influence September Appropriations Decisions. Everyone takes for granted that Congress will adjourn by early October to be followed by a post-election (“lame duck”) session starting in November or early December. This week’s Analysis and Commentary looks at some of the possibilities for the post-election session and how they might affect appropriations decisions in September.

• CDER Director Woodcock Presenting to the Alliance on September 21. he Alliance is honored to be hosting Dr. Woodcock on Friday, September 21 at 9 a.m. at a location near Dupont Circle. Her remarks should be particularly pertinent given the Administration’s strong FY 19 funding request for medical product programs. If you would like to attend, RSVP by e-mail to Eden Shiferaw. While we will have a room that accommodates a good-sized crowd, priority will be given to Alliance members and media.