Washington, D.C. – Today the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee voted to confirm Robert Califf as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Approval of Dr. Califf by the HELP Committee will allow for full Senate consideration.
A statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) follows:
“From reviewing and approving innovative therapies, to being given the mandate to regulate the entire tobacco industry, the work of the FDA plays a critical role in the fight against cancer. Given the complex and far-reaching work of the agency on cancer patients and families, a confirmed commissioner is vital to the agency’s work. Once confirmed, we look forward to working with Dr. Califf at FDA to:
“On behalf of families affected by cancer, ACS CAN urges the Senate to quickly confirm Dr. Califf, so FDA can press forward on these critical issues that have impact on a disease that is expected to kill more than 609,000 Americans this year alone.”
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