NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Dingell, Stupak Comment on FDA Revitalization Plan

Welcome Decision to Retain Field Labs; Remain Concerned about Agency Capacity

Washington, DC- Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, today issued the following statement in response to reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to revitalize its Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) and has abandoned plans to close its field laboratories. The revitalization plan is based on recommendations developed by ORA employees at the FDA’s request.

“FDA’s ill-conceived plan to take resources out of the field and concentrate them in Washington was a bad idea from the start. I am pleased that FDA listened to it the recommendations of it employees and, finally, to the serious concerns my Congressional colleagues and I have repeatedly expressed. At a time when ensuring the safety of our food and drug supply seems increasingly difficult for FDA, closing field labs and eliminating the positions of skilled and dedicated employees makes no sense. It’s a shame that Congress had to pass legislation to make this misguided strategy unlawful.

“As we heard in last week’s hearing, the FDA’s mission is now at risk, which means the health and safety of the American people is also at risk. Though it’s encouraging that the field offices will remain open, concerns that FDA does not have the capacity necessary to fulfill its mission and comply with current regulations persist. Without question, our vigorous oversight of FDA activities will continue.”

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, issued the following statement:

“While I am pleased that FDA has involved employees in its revitalization efforts and shelved its flawed reorganization plan, much remains to be done. It’s clear that additional solutions must be identified to mend our nation’s badly frayed food and drug safety net.

“The FDA Science Board has concluded that ‘American lives are now at risk.’ Our Subcommittee will continue its oversight of the FDA to ensure that the agency fulfills its mission of protecting the health and safety of the American people.”

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