July 30th, 2008

According to an article in today’s Wall Street Journal, a group of federal lawmakers are pushing for an overhaul of the Food and Drug Administration that would give the organization powers to hand out fines, recall drugs and restrict drug-industry advertising.

Two long time critics of the FDA, Rep. John Dingell (D. Mich.) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa), are leading the drive.  A subcommittee led by Rep. Dingell has planned a hearing on the FDA’s response to the salmonella outbreak for tomorrow.

In addition to fines and recalls, many lawmakers see a need to separate the FDA from the industry it regulates.  These politicians hope the next president will appoint an FDA commissioner who is completely independent form the industry.

It’s unlikely that Congress will make any changes this year because it only has a short fall session before the elections in November.  The FDA may see significant changes in 2009, though, if Dingell and Grassley have anything to do with it.