Rob Califf's nomination to be the next FDA commissioner is now in serious limbo
Historically, FDA nominees have breezed through their Senate confirmation votes.
In fact, the closest Senate vote for an FDA nominee in recent memory was Scott Gottlieb’s confirmation, which came with a 15-vote margin in his favor. Even former President Trump’s FDA nominee Stephen Hahn won more than 70 senators’ votes from both sides of the aisle.
But Rob Califf’s second attempt to be FDA commissioner (his first confirmation in 2016 was another 89-4 breeze) is proving to be the most difficult ever. And it’s coming at a critical moment for the country as Omicron has taken hold, and as the FDA has come under fire for some of its decision making and clarity around its plans for Covid-19 boosters.
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