Chairman Alexander Announces Support for Dr. Stephen Hahn, Nominee to Lead FDA

WASHINGTON, November 6, 2019 – Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following statement after meeting with Dr. Stephen Hahn—President Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

“I had an excellent meeting with Dr. Hahn and believe he is well-qualified to lead the FDA. As an oncologist, Dr. Hahn knows firsthand the importance of bringing new, lifesaving drugs and devices quickly through the regulatory process as well as the need for innovation for patients with debilitating and chronic pain. As a successful chief executive, he will bring a guiding hand to an agency tasked with protecting the public’s health,” Alexander said. “This is a crucial perspective at a time when FDA is implementing the 21st Century Cures Act, regulating tobacco and vaping products, addressing the opioid crisis, and protecting our nation’s food supply. The Senate health committee I chair will hold a hearing to consider his nomination on November 20.” 

On Wednesday, November 20, the Senate health committee will hold a confirmation hearing on the nomination of Dr. Stephen Hahn to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Dr. Hahn currently serves as the chief medical executive at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. 

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