Senate approves Califf as FDA chief

The U.S. Senate voted 89-4 today to confirm Dr. Robert Califf as commissioner of the FDA, ignoring the objections of senators who want the safety watchdog to do more about the opioid crisis and of presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).

Sanders opposed the cardiologist’s nomination, saying Califf’s close ties to the pharmaceutical industry would prevent him from being unbiased.

Several senators, including Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), took the opportunity leading up to the vote to lambaste the FDA for what they said was a lax approach to approving potentially addictive opioid painkillers. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H. also voted against Califf’s nomination.

Sanders missed the vote to stump on the campaign trail ahead of next week’s “Super Tuesday” slate of state primaries.

“Dr. Califf has demonstrated a long and deep commitment to advancing the public health throughout his distinguished career as a physician, researcher, and leader in the fields of science and medicine. He understands well the critical role that the FDA plays in responding to the changes in our society while protecting and promoting the health of the public, across the many areas we regulate – and I am confident that our public health and scientific contributions will further grow under his exceptional leadership,” acting commissioner Dr. Stephen Ostroff said in prepared remarks.

The Upper Chamber yesterday cleared the way for a confirmation vote for Califf with a procedural move designed to prevent the opponents from blocking the confirmation.

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