More Democrats flag ‘questions,’ remain uncertain about Biden’s FDA pick, Robert Califf

WASHINGTON — Nearly a dozen Democratic senators aren’t yet willing to publicly support President Biden’s Food and Drug Administration pick, Robert Califf, despite his sailing through a key health committee vote earlier this month.

It’s a surprising level of uncertainty for Califf, who earned almost unanimous support when he was confirmed to lead the same agency in 2016.

And it’s surprising, too, given the power that the FDA has to shape the response to the Covid-19 pandemic — a response for which Biden is increasingly being criticized. The FDA, which is responsible for evaluating the safety of Covid-19 tests, vaccines, and therapeutics, has been without a Senate-confirmed leader for more than a year.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$20

for 3 months, then $399/year

$20 for 3 months Get Started

Then $399/year

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe

Log In