Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today the Senate voted on the confirmation of Dr. Robert Califf to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services. While I was unable to vote today, I would have supported Dr. Califf's nomination, just as I supported proceeding to cloture on his nomination in Monday evening's vote. The Food and Drug Administration has lacked a permanent Commissioner for almost a year, despite its role overseeing the safety of 25 percent of goods sold in the United States, including food, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and vitamin supplements. I believe that Dr. Califf, a Duke cardiologist and clinical trial researcher endorsed by over 100 physician and patient groups, is well qualified to oversee this critical mission. I look forward to working with Dr. Califf to implement key public health priorities, including examining ways to tackle rising prescription drugs prices, improve clinical trials, and combat the opioid epidemic. (At the request of Mr. Reid, the following statement was ordered to be printed in the Record.) <bullet> Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent for today's vote on the nomination of Robert McKinnon Califf to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services. I would have voted nay.<bullet> ____________________”