Sen. Bernie Sanders wants to block the confirmation of Robert Califf to become the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, putting a hold on his nomination because of concerns about high drug prices.
The Vermont senator and Democratic presidential candidate said that Califf, a former Duke University researcher, is too close to drug companies.
“Dr. 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,” Sanders said Tuesday.
Califf has conducted clinical trials for numerous pharmaceutical giants such as Merck and Eli Lilly. He has served as the FDA’s deputy commissioner for medical products since January 2015.
Sanders is the second senator in as many days to place a hold on the nominee. Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., who placed a hold on the nomination Monday, was also concerned about the agency’s recent approvals of painkillers.
Sanders previously expressed his opposition to Califf, noting his disdain for the researcher during Califf’s confirmation hearing late last year. Sanders consistently attacks drug companies for high prices while on the campaign trail.
Califf could experience more Senate opposition to his nomination, as Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, also may put a hold on it due to her opposition to the FDA’s approval of genetically engineered salmon.
A hold on a bill or nomination reaching the Senate floor can be defeated through a cloture vote. Also, the Senate majority leader doesn’t have to follow any of the senators’ requests for a hold.
