The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee approved the nomination of Robert Califf, MD, to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a Jan. 13 executive session.
Bipartisan members of the HELP Committee, including Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-N.C.), supported Califf’s nomination in a final vote of 13-8. Califf previously appeared before the committee on Dec. 14 for his nomination hearing [refer to Washington Highlights, Dec. 17, 2021].
In advance of Califf’s nomination hearing, AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, submitted a Dec. 13, 2021, letter to the committee in support of the nomination. “Dr. Califf’s previous experience as FDA commissioner and as deputy commissioner of the Office of Medical Products and Tobacco will allow a seamless transition to the role and help ensure stability in the midst of the persisting public health emergency,” Skorton wrote. The AAMC previously issued a press statement following the announcement of Califf’s nomination on Nov. 12, 2021 [refer to Washington Highlights, Nov. 12, 2021].