Joe Pitts: “I rise today to comment on Senator Jim DeMint's decision to put a hold on Andrew van Eschenbach's nomination to head the…”

“I rise today to comment on Senator Jim DeMint's decision to put a hold on Andrew van Eschenbach's nomination to head the FDA. This has to do with a drug, an abortifacient called RU-486. This drug has been linked to eight deaths, nine life- threatening incidents and more than 200 hospitalizations. The FDA is charged with safeguarding public health, so it only makes sense that the FDA Commissioner would support suspension of the drug, RU-486, until a full investigation can be completed on its effect on women's health. Nine other drugs have been suspended in the past 8 years that didn't cause a single death, yet this known health threat remains on the market as we speak. Madam Speaker, this is nothing less than irresponsible, and it is time the FDA exerted some leadership on the issue. Senator DeMint has acted in the interest of women's health and common sense. I thank him for his leadership. ____________________”