Durbin Statement on the Resignation of FDA Commissioiner Crawford

DURBIN STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF FDA COMMISSIONER CRAWFORD

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement on the resignation of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Lester Crawford:

"The Food and Drug Administration is facing nothing short of a crisis in leadership. Dr. Crawford has resigned only two-months into his term and after two-years as interim Commissioner."

"The FDA is responsible for the safety of foods, drugs, medical devices and thousands of other products American families count on. It regulates one-quarter of the U.S. economy."

"The controversy surrounding Vioxx and other pharmaceuticals has exposed weak oversight, conflict of interest and poor management at FDA."

"The Bush Administration cannot discount the critical importance of leadership at the FDA. There has not been a permanent chief at the FDA for two-thirds of President Bush's time in office. Now, more than ever, the President must name a trusted professional to head the FDA who is not beholden to the companies it regulates and has the strength to put the health and safety of American families ahead of any special interest group."

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=246399