On the recordFebruary 24, 2016
I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Robert Califf on his confirmation today as Food and Drug Administration, FDA, Commissioner. Dr. Califf is a well-respected cardiologist that hails from Anderson, SC,--very close to where I grew up. He has served our country and its medical needs in a variety of capacities. As a faculty member and professor at Duke University, he founded the Duke Clinical Research Institute and served as vice chancellor for clinical research. In addition to his accomplishments during his tenure at Duke, he is an active member of several professional organizations, including committees of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and the FDA. In 2015, Dr. Califf was named Deputy Commissioner for Medical Products and Tobacco for the FDA. In this role, Dr. Califf is responsible for overseeing and directing the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and the Center for Tobacco Products. He also oversees the Office of Special Medical Programs. The broad bipartisan support for Dr. Califf's nomination is testament to his strong, transparent leadership and record of advancing medical breakthroughs. The FDA has been operating without a confirmed Commissioner for the past year, and I applaud the Senate's confirmation of Dr. Califf. I look forward to working with Dr. Califf as he brings his expertise to addressing challenges facing the FDA and our Nation. ____________________





