Murray Statement on Meeting with FDA Commissioner Nominee Scott Gottlieb

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after meeting with Scott Gottlieb, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner.

“Today I met with President Trump’s nominee for FDA commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, to discuss the FDA’s critical role in public health.  I made clear that the next FDA Commissioner’s vision for the agency must be one based in science and fact, not partisan politics.

“I am deeply concerned about Mr. Gottlieb’s extensive ties to the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries and asked him to address potential conflicts of interest that may arise during his tenure at the FDA. I pushed him to commit to making decisions that are in the best interest of public health, and asked how he plans to ensure that his industry ties and the radical views of the Trump administration will not affect his decision-making should he be confirmed.

“President Trump promised to “drain the swamp,” and as it stands, Mr. Gottlieb’s ties to the companies and industries he will regulate do exactly the opposite.

“It is critical that the FDA have independent leadership focused squarely on putting patients and families first, and I look forward to a thorough, rigorous vetting and hearing process to determine whether Mr. Gottlieb is appropriate for this role.”

###