Trump blog: FDA, NIH picks clear Senate panel; FDA top lawyer resigns

Senate Committee Advances FDA and NIH Nominees

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to advance President Trump's nominees for FDA Commissioner and NIH Director to the full Senate for confirmation13:

- FDA Commissioner nominee:
Martin Makary

* - Vote:*
14-9 in favor
- Two Democrats (Senators Hassan and Hickenlooper) joined Republicans in supporting Makary

- NIH Director nominee:
Jay Bhattacharya

* - Vote:*
12-11 in favor along party lines

Key Points on the Nominations

• Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said both nominees "have demonstrated they are ready to take on this responsibility" and would help restore "transparency" at the agencies1

• Ranking member Bernie Sanders (I-VT) opposed both nominees, citing concerns about their plans to lower prescription drug costs1

• The nominations come amid recent layoffs and staffing changes at FDA and other health agencies under the new administration5

• Makary and Bhattacharya faced questions in earlier hearings on issues like vaccine safety, government transparency, and agency staffing3

FDA Top Lawyer Resigns

In a separate development, the FDA announced that its chief counsel has resigned6. No further details were provided about the resignation.

The nominations will now move to the full Senate for final confirmation votes. The changes in leadership and staffing at FDA and NIH are being closely watched for their potential impact on public health policies and pharmaceutical regulation.

Sources:

1. https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-committee-clears-fda-nih-nominees-floor-votes

3. https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20250313/senate-committee-advances-nih-fda-leaders-nominations

5. https://insidehealthpolicy.com/node/147346

6. https://endpts.com/trump-healthcare-transition-live-updates-biotech-pharma-news/