November 15, 2021
D.C. News
  • President Biden announced Friday he is nominating Robert Califf to again serve as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The new selection was expected imminently because Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock cannot legally stay on as the acting head past November 15 without a nominee to hold the position permanently. The Senate confirmed Califf by an 89-4 vote when he last led the FDA. However, his confirmation could face steeper opposition this time around – Senators Bernie Sanders and Joe Manchin have criticized the decision, citing Califf’s “significant ties to the pharmaceutical industry.” (Articles here, here, here, here, here, and here)