Oversight Hearing on FDA Mission
May 1, 2007
As noted this morning, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is holding a hearing: "The FDA's Vital Mission and Challenges for the Future." The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) plays a large and influential role in the health and safety of the American people. FDA is responsible for ensuring that drugs and devices are safe and effective, and that food is uncontaminated and properly labeled. As Chairman Henry Waxman explains in his opening remarks, the hearing marks the first of a series designed to bring competence and efficiency back to federal agencies. Text of Chairman Waxman's opening remarks >>
| Chairman Waxman: "Before I make any specific comments on today's hearing on the FDA, I want to say a few words about an important initiative this committee is undertaking. One of the most important debates in modern politics is the role of government. Some believe in the smallest government possible, and live by the old joke that the scariest words imaginable are 'I'm from the government, and I am here to help.' I and others have a fundamentally different view, I think government can be a tremendous instrument for good..." |