Approps Subcommittee Members Named
Top-Line
· Principal Deputy Commissioner Janet Woodcock to address Alliance on March 2 at 3 p.m. on food program reform. Sign up here
· The Most Remarkable Thing Commissioner Califf Said
· Members of the House and Senate FDA Appropriations Subcommittees Named
· Alliance FY 24 FDA Budget Webinar Series: Save the Dates
This week’s Analysis and Commentary contains our summary of Commissioner Califf’s insightful comments from last week when he appeared at a fireside chat/webinar with the Alliance. Readers can find a full transcript here and a remarkable tidbit is described below.
NEW. Principal Deputy Commissioner Janet Woodcock to address Alliance on March 2 at 3 p.m. on food program reform. Sign up here.
On January 31, 2023, FDA Commissioner Califf and Principal Deputy Commissioner Woodcock announced a series of food program reforms, notably the creation of a Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods with line management authority.
Noting that key details are yet to come, the FDA promised additional announcements by the end of February. Among key issues to be clarified are the relationship between the Office of Regulatory Affairs and the new Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods.
With further FDA announcements scheduled for late February, the Alliance is pleased that Deputy Commissioner Woodcock has agreed to a webinar on March 2 to discuss food program reform.
The Most Remarkable Thing Commissioner Califf Said. This week’s Analysis and Commentary (link) summarizes Dr. Califf’s presentation, and the complete transcript is here,
Among an hour of insights, updates, and plans, Dr. Califf said something that we found remarkable—not because others have not felt that way…but because he said it aloud.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Califf said his proudest achievement over this past year has been taking on hard issues. In his words: he did not return as Commissioner to kick the can down the road.
Members of the House and Senate FDA Appropriations Subcommittees Named
Members of the House and Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittees have been named. There are several new members on the Subcommittee, and the Alliance will be visiting with their staff to express our support for a strong and well-resourced FDA.
In the House, Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) will become the Subcommittee Chairman, while Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA) becomes the Ranking Member. Other returning and now majority members are David Valadao (CA), John Moolenaar (MI), Dan Newhouse (WA), and Julia Letlow (LA). New majority members are Ben Cline (VA), Ashley Hinson (IA), Jerry Carl (AL), and Scott Franklin (FL).
Returning as now minority members are Chellie Pingree (ME), Lauren Underwood (IL), Barbara Lee (CA), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL). Marcy Kaptur (OH), who previously served on the Subcommittee as the Ranking Member, rejoins the Subcommittee
In the Senate, Martin Heinrich (D-NM) will become Chairman. Senator Heinrich has not previously served on this Subcommittee. Former Chairwoman Tammy Baldwin (WI) remains on the Subcommittee but will instead chair the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.
Other returning majority members include Dianne Feinstein (CA), Jon Tester (MT), and Jeff Merkley (OR). New majority members include Joe Manchin (WV) and Gary Peters (MI). John Hoeven (ND) returns as Ranking Member. Other returning minority members include Mitch McConnell (KY), Susan Collins (ME), Jerry Moran (KS), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS). Deb Fischer (NE) is a new minority member.
Alliance FY 24 FDA Budget Webinar Series: Save the Dates. The President’s FY 24 Budget Release is set for March 9. As in past years, we follow with a series of six budget webinars to explain FDA’s request. Registering at this point is a good way “to save the dates.”
3/23 Dr. Shuren, CDRH 11:00 Shuren event registration
3/29 Ms. McMeekin, ORA 2:30 McMeekin event registration
3/31 Dr. Mayne, CFSAN 11:00 Mayne event registration
4/04 Dr. Marks, CBER 3:30 Marks event registration
4/05 Dr. Cavazzoni, CDER 2:00 Cavazzoni event registration
4/10 Ms. Forfa, CVM 3:00 Forfa event registration