On the recordMay 18, 2016
I do want to commend Mr. Fitzpatrick for his diligence and his attentiveness to his constituency. I know he feels very sincerely about this particular amendment. It is, of course, disturbing to hear adverse consequences of any drug or device, but we rely on the FDA to be the safety arbiter in these cases. The VA simply follows FDA's approval of drugs and devices. If anyone wants to go to the source on this, then that individual should work through the Agriculture Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over the Food and Drug Administration. But I believe it is not the proper role for Congress to act as doctors in this case, substituting what appears to be anecdotal evidence for the considered judgment of teams of independent doctors and physicians. We also shouldn't influence the marketing of birth control drugs and devices by targeting one particular manufacturer. Again, I do understand my very good friend and colleague's sincere desire based on his conversations with constituents, but at the same time, I do think that we should let the medical experts determine the efficacy or the safety of a particular device in this case. So, again, I have to rise in opposition. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).
