Dive Brief:
- The Senate Health Committee on Tuesday advanced Robert Califf's nomination for FDA commissioner by voice vote. His nomination will go to the full Senate for final consideration.
- In a statement following the vote, presidential candidate and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said, "we need a leader at the FDA who is prepared to stand up to the drug companies ... Dr. Califf is not that person." Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) also said she may hold up a full Senate vote on Califf over salmon labeling concerns. In November, the FDA approved genetically modified salmon. Murkowski sees genetically modifed salmon as a threat to Alaska's wild salmon industry.
- Sanders is considering placing a procedural hold on Califf's nomination, according to an aide speaking to Politico. A hold would make it difficult for the Senate to vote on the nomination without intervention by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
Dive Insight:
It is uncertain when the full Senate will take up Califf's nomination for consideration. If either Sanders or Murkowski placed a hold on Califf, the timeline would be lengthened.
I look forward to having conversations w/FDA on Frankenfish, but I intend to block Califf’s confirmation until these issues are resolved.
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) January 12, 2016
The FDA's GMO salmon approval received predictably mixed reactions across the food industry. The approval led to a provision in the omnibus spending bill at the end of last year, saying that the FDA cannot OK GMO salmon selling without labeling guidelines to keep consumers informed. The labeling requirement ends Sept. 30, expected time enough for Congress to discuss said provision with the FDA.
The FDA currently has draft guidance for labeling of food derived from genetically modififed salmon open for public comment. The comment period closes Jan. 25.
In a November Health Committee hearing discussing Califf's nomination, Senators questioned his ties to the pharmaceutical industry stemming from his tenure at Duke University. Califf oversaw major clinical trials while at Duke, such as J&J's Xarelto. Pharma companies have previously paid him over $200,000 in consulting fees, although Califf donated that money to charities.