Agriculture Appropriations Bill Strengthens FDA Oversight and Accountability, Says DeLauro

Agriculture Appropriations Bill Strengthens FDA Oversight and Accountability, Says DeLauro

- Urges Senate to Include Similar Safeguards -

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3), ranking member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, said the Fiscal Year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations bill that passed the House today strengthens oversight and accountability of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The agency has been under scrutiny for its oversight of drug safety in the wake of two major drug recalls and its accountability to Congress. The FDA has not testified before the Appropriations Agriculture subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over its budget.

"The Agriculture Appropriations bill passed by the House today increases FDA oversight and accountability, allowing the agency to continue its mission - maintaining the integrity of our nation's food and drug supply," said DeLauro. "Americans are increasingly seeing the result of serious scientific and management challenges facing FDA. Provisions included in this bill strengthen the agency's scientific integrity and provide critical funding."

Several FDA amendments were offered during floor debate of the bill today, including a provision that prohibits scientists with conflicts of interest from serving on FDA advisory committees and a provision that provides whistleblower protection to FDA employees. The House accepted the former.

The agriculture appropriations bill includes an amendment added by DeLauro in subcommittee that withholds 5 percent of funds from the FDA central offices until the head of the agency testifies regarding their budget request. The funding would not affect food or drug safety, only FDA's administrative offices. DeLauro also worked with Subcommittee Chairman Bonilla to include funding that doubles the annual funding for review of direct to consumer ads by FDA, as well as add $5 million for drug safety at FDA, which would be devoted to the most critical aspects of drug safety.

"I am delighted by the FDA provisions agreed to in this bill and hope that the Senate will include similar funding and safeguards in its bill," concluded DeLauro.

The Senate is expected to take up its agriculture appropriations bill at the end of the month.

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