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Senate Confirmation Hearing for FDA Nominee Marty Makary

Marty Makary, a seasoned surgeon and President Trump’s nominee for the role of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner, appeared before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee for his confirmation hearing. Emphasizing a commitment to public health initiatives, Makary resonated with the Make America Healthy Again agenda while carefully navigating through more contentious decisions made in recent months.

Compared to the dramatic confirmation processes surrounding figures such as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., Makary’s hearing was notably restrained. As a public policy researcher and a faculty member at Johns Hopkins University, Makary gained prominence as a vocal critic of COVID-19 lockdown strategies, often sharing his views on platforms like Fox News.

In his opening statement, Makary underscored his belief in the scientific method intertwined with practical common sense. He acknowledged the grassroots movement motivated by President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s focus on healthy dietary choices, noting that challenges like childhood obesity and early-onset Alzheimer’s disease demand comprehensive attention beyond mere willpower or genetic predisposition.

Throughout the hearing, Democrats raised concerns regarding recent personnel cuts within the FDA and pressed Makary on his intentions regarding the regulation of mifepristone, a medication used for medical abortions. Although Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) departed before the questioning commenced, he remarked that the effectiveness of the FDA would largely depend on the overarching influence of Elon Musk in government affairs.

Promise to Resume Vaccine Committee Meetings

Under Secretary Kennedy’s tenure, a crucial meeting focused on influenza vaccine updates was suddenly canceled without explanation. Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) criticized this lack of transparency and sought assurance from Makary on future protocols should he be confirmed.

While noting his absence during that decision-making process, Makary promised to evaluate the situation regarding the Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) if he were to assume office. He expressed his support for U.S. independence from international organizations like the World Health Organization in shaping domestic vaccine policies.

When pressed about the canceled meeting, Makary reiterated his detachment from that decision but confirmed his commitment to reconvene the VRBPAC once confirmed.

Commitment to Independent Review of Abortion Drug

If confirmed, Makary’s purview would encompass critical decisions regarding medications, including mifepristone. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) referenced earlier discussions where Makary purportedly acknowledged the scientific consensus on the drug’s safety. However, during the hearing, he opted not to reaffirm those assertions, emphasizing the importance of ongoing evaluation rather than preemptively concluding on prior data.

In response to Senator Patty Murray’s (D-Wash.) inquiry about adhering to evidence-based drug approvals, Makary committed to following a rigorous independent scientific review process at the FDA. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) further interrogated him on maintaining an unbiased scientific approach amidst polarized views on abortion, to which Makary affirmed he had no intent to alter existing policies surrounding mifepristone.

Willingness to Review FDA Staffing Decisions

Addressing inquiries about recent layoffs at the FDA, Makary again distanced himself from those decisions, noting that many employees affected were probationary workers within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). After some FDA staff members were rehired shortly after their termination, the implications of these layoffs drew scrutiny from lawmakers.

Senator Susan Collins (Maine) pointed out that a significant number of FDA employees are not funded by taxpayer money but through user fees. Makary pledged to conduct a thorough assessment of the agency’s staffing and highlighted that he was open to reevaluating the status of terminated employees deemed valuable to the FDA’s mission.

Responding to questions from Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Makary suggested that reinstating personnel would depend on individual circumstances, indicating a balanced approach toward staffing decisions while recognizing the challenges posed by recent cuts.

Finally, Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) expressed concern over how staffing shortages could undermine the FDA’s reputation for scientific excellence, pointing to the potential for diminished morale and chaos within the agency. Makary reiterated his commitment to assessing resources required for FDA scientists and ensuring they were adequately supported.

Source
thehill.com