Ted Kennedy To Push For Overhaul Of FDA In Next Congress - Boston Globe

WASHINGTON -- Senator Edward M. Kennedy today will criticize the Food and Drug Administration during a Senate hearing for allowing "prevailing political winds" to trump science. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions session will give Democrats their first post election opportunity to say how they will strengthen the FDA when they become the majority party in Congress.

Some in Congress say the agency is more concerned with pleasing drug manufacturers than in ensuring patient safety. "Science has, too often, had to take a back seat at the very agency which should be setting the standard for objectivity and integrity," Kennedy, a Democrat of Massachusetts and incoming committee chairman, said.

"There is also growing evidence that the dedicated professionals at the FDA have been pressured to trim their scientific views to the prevailing political winds. These are symptoms of a serious illness, and we should act without delay to provide the cure," the senator added.

The hearing, "Building a 21st Century FDA: Proposals to Improve Drug Safety and Innovation," is aimed to push ahead FDA reform legislation introduced by Kennedy and outgoing committee chairman Michael B. Enzi , a Wyoming Republican. Kennedy plans to hold a series of FDA oversight hearings in early 2007 .

EDIT

http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2006/11/16/kennedy_will_push_for_overhaul_of_fda/

:yourock: :loveya:

You are on the right track with that one. They need to tighten up the definition of "organic" as well.