DeLauro Statement on Confirmation of Gottlieb as FDA Commissioner

WASHINGTON, DC (May 9, 2017) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding the confirmation of Scott Gottlieb as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). DeLauro is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding the FDA.

"The Senate made the wrong choice in confirming Scott Gottlieb as Commissioner of the FDA, entrusting an industry insider with the responsibility of regulating drug and medical device safety. Throughout his career, Dr. Gottlieb has made significant financial gain from dozens of pharmaceutical corporations. And while he has pledged to recuse himself for one year from decisions on more than 20 companies where he has potential conflicts of interest, he must keep this promise.

"Commissioner Gottlieb has pushed for the FDA to loosen regulations and speed up the approval of new drugs, but the FDA is already playing fast and loose with the rules. When the health and safety of American families is on the line, we cannot afford to diminish already weak regulations. Commissioner Gottlieb must use his position to enforce the FDA's status as a regulatory agency, not as someone who will line the pockets of pharmaceutical corporations. I will fight to hold him accountable."

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