Edolphus Towns: “I believe that three bills offer an earnest and responsible approach to the reform of FDA regulations and procedures…”

“I believe that three bills offer an earnest and responsible approach to the reform of FDA regulations and procedures which govern a variety of very different and distinct products and industries. These legislative reforms recognize the need to streamline the operations of the Food and Drug Administration while giving the agency ultimate authority to protect the public's health. Under the reform approach now before the Commerce Committee, the FDA would also be responsible for getting new products on the market through a prompt, efficient review and approval process. This effort responds to the agency's critics who argue that the current product approval process slows down the availability of safe and effective products. It is an approach which I believe will still protect the public health but it will also enhance American companies' ability to be more competitive in the international marketplace.”