Additional Obama Appointments
Dr. Margaret Hamburg - Commissioner, Food & Drug Administration
Former Commissioner of Health, New York City
Former Assistant Secretary, Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Former Vice President, Biological Programs, Nuclear Threat Initiative
Member, Board of Directors, Henry Schein (a medical products distributor)
Nominated: March 14, 2009
Obama’s comments:
“Dr. Hamburg brings to this vital position not only a reputation of integrity but a record of achievement in making Americans safer and more secure.”
Reuters
Others’ comments:
Billy Tauzin, head of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America: Hamburg “brings managerial skills that are essential for directing science-based activities.”
Reuters
“‘Peggy has a deep commitment to the public health and, while she appreciates the vital role of industry, will surely focus on what is best for the public,’ said Dr. Harvey V. Fineberg, president of the Institute of Medicine, the medical arm of the National Academy of Sciences.”
The New York Times
Approved: May 22, 2009
Potential Appointment Impact:
“Jeffrey Levi, executive director of Trust for America’s Health, a nonprofit public health organization, said Dr. Hamburg had revived a demoralized and cash-starved agency in New York and could do the same at the F.D.A., which faces similar problems.
“‘Right now,’ Mr. Levi said, ‘the F.D.A. needs a strong leader with a clear sense of mission who can fight for the resources that the agency needs and do it in a bipartisan manner.’
“The food and drug agency regulates more than $1 trillion worth of consumer goods, which amounts to about 25 cents of every consumer dollar spent in this country. Besides policing billions in food, drug, cosmetic and vitamin sales, it is responsible for monitoring a third of all imported goods, items as varied as eggplants, eyeliners, microwave ovens, monoclonal antibodies and cellphones.
“The F.D.A. is arguably the most important public health agency in the country, but its budget has lagged far behind those of agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A growing list of scandals has led a bipartisan chorus on Capitol Hill to demand major changes and larger budgets, with some legislators advocating that the F.D.A. be split in two.”
The New York Times
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