Lawmaker criticizes FDA head for skipping hearing on Right to Try laws

A congressional hearing that will be held on Thursday to explore the controversial Right to Try laws is growing tense before the proceedings even get under way.

Among those expected to testify was Dr. Robert Califf, the US Food and Drug Administration commissioner, but scheduling conflicts apparently will prevent him from appearing as planned. But the chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which will hold the hearing, is upset about the agency official who is being sent to testify, instead.

As far as Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) is concerned, Dr. Peter Lurie, an associate commissioner for public health strategy and analysis, is not qualified to substitute for Califf. After Lurie met with committee staff, Johnson expressed concern Lurie was “unable to answer questions” about Right to Try laws and a host of related issues, according to a letter that Johnson wrote to Califf this past Monday.

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