DeLauro Statement on FDA Science Board Report

Press Release

DeLauro Statement on FDA Science Board Report

"This report from the FDA Science Board confirms what everyone within Congress, and at the FDA for that matter, has known for a long time - the science at the FDA is deteriorating and the agency lacks the planning, management structure, and resources to restore their scientific capabilities.

"While the advisory committee says the agency needs additional resources to carryout their job, the report fails to mention that the FDA or the Administration never requests these funds. The science board report also fails to note that the FDA never requests the additional authorities necessary to support their regulatory decisions.

"Additional resources for the FDA are one component of what is necessary to help remedy the myriad problems the agency is facing. In fact, if the funding level for the FDA in the House bill becomes law, the agency will have received an additional $231 million since FY 2006 - additional resources the agency never requested. Unfortunately, Congress is being put in a position where it will be forced to cut funding for many agencies, including the FDA, if the Administration follows through with its veto threat.

"However, money alone will not resolve the problems at FDA - these additional funds need to be supported by an adequate management structure and a sound plan on how these funds will be used to ensure that they are not wasted. Congress cannot be in the business of providing unconditional blank checks to agencies like the FDA that disregards scientific integrity in favor of corporate and political considerations."

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