POGO Disappointed by Senate Confirmation of New FDA Head

The Project on Government Oversight (POGO) is disappointed by today’s Senate vote confirming the appointment of Dr. Robert Califf as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Danielle Brian, POGO Executive Director, said:

“Given POGO's investigation detailing Dr. Califf's questionable oversight of a major drug trial, we are concerned about his strong ties to the pharmaceutical industry and question his ability to act independently in the public interest.

We applaud those from both sides of the aisle who stood up on behalf of the interests of the American people to oppose the nomination, including US Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

We note that Dr. Califf has publicly committed to guaranteeing the FDA’s independence from corporate interests. As head of the FDA, we hope Dr. Califf will honor this commitment and put the health and safety of the American people ahead of the bottom lines of the drug industry.”