Mikulski Pledges to Keep Up the Fight for FDA's Consolidation at Dedication Ceremony
“We’re doing more than building buildings, we’re building America’s future.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today celebrated the dedication of the newest Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) building at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in White Oak, Md. The FDA has been working to consolidate offices on the 130-acre site of the former White Oak Naval Surface Warfare Center in Montgomery County for nearly 20 years. Since 1990, Senator Mikulski has worked vigorously in the Senate and the community to consolidate the FDA facilities.
“We’re making progress one building at a time. But we’re doing more than building buildings, we’re building America’s future. I’m so proud of the people who work at FDA – they make sure the world has life-saving medications while working to attract the best young scientists. They deserve the best facilities,” said Senator Mikulski. “It has been a long fight, but we are closer to the finish line. Know that I’ll be with you every step of the way until these buildings are completed and you have the resources you were promised.”
Senator Mikulski vowed to continue her fight for full funding of the FDA’s consolidation at White Oak. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Mikulski has fought for more than $678.3 million in federal funds to support the FDA’s consolidation. It is expected that the total cost of the project will be $1.1 billion, with an anticipated completion in 2012.
President Bush has continued to underfund the consolidation, and Senator Mikulski has continued to work to restore funding to avoid construction delays and increased project costs. While scientists wait for buildings to be finished, they are working in facilities that are over capacity with outdated technology at four different locations in Maryland.
“This project has been a top priority for the community and a top priority for me because it means economic development for Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, and jobs for the people of Maryland,” said Senator Mikulski. “The FDA deserves a world-class facility. I will continue to fight to make sure that the FDA consolidation project receives the funds it needs.”
