Dr. Robert Califf Confirmed by Senate to Lead FDA for Second Time
On Tuesday, February 15, the U.S. Senate voted to narrowly confirm Dr. Robert Califf as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vote was deemed controversial because some senators questioned Dr. Califf’s ties to the pharmaceutical industry and his views on birth control.
Dr. Califf is a cardiologist with broad clinical research experience who served as FDA commissioner during President Barack Obama's final year in office. His confirmation comes at an important moment as FDA reviews COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.