Sanders Becomes Third Senator To Block Obama's FDA Nominee

"Dr. [Robert] Califf’s extensive ties to the pharmaceutical industry give me no reason to believe that he would make the FDA work for ordinary Americans, rather than just the CEOs of pharmaceutical companies,” Democratic presidential primary candidate Bernie Sanders says.

Reuters: Sanders Blocks Obama Nominee To Lead FDA, Citing Industry Ties

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said on Tuesday he has placed a hold on President Barack Obama's nominee to head the Food and Drug Administration, claiming he is too close to the pharmaceutical industry to be an impartial regulator. The move by the U.S. senator from Vermont comes one day after Democratic Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts also placed a hold on the nomination until the agency agrees to reform its process for approving opioid painkillers. (Heavey, 1/26)

The Hill: Sanders Places Hold On Obama's FDA Nominee

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is formally blocking President Obama’s pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after announcing his opposition late last year. He [said] that he's placed a hold on Califf's nomination because "we need a leader at the FDA who is prepared to stand up to drug companies." (Carney, 1/26)

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