Nomination for F.D.A. Post Nears Approval in Senate
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A powerful Republican senator dropped his opposition today to President Clinton’s choice to head the Food and Drug Administration, clearing the way for the Senate to approve the nomination before adjourning. The agency has become one of the most influential in the Federal Government, responsible for assuring the safety of drugs, medical devices, food and cosmetics for millions of Americans. In June, the President nominated Dr. Jane E. Henney, a cancer specialist with experience in government and academia, as the agency’s next Commissioner of Food and Drugs, replacing Dr. David A. Kessler, who left 18 months ago to become dean of the Yale University Medical School. Despite Dr. Henney’s seemingly unblemished record, a handful of conservatives, led by Senator Don Nickles of Oklahoma, the Republican whip, objected to her nomination. They expressed concern that Dr. Henney might confound Congress by taking advocacy positions on issues like abortion and tobacco, just as Dr. Kessler had. But Mr. Nickles announced on the Senate floor today that Dr. Henney and her boss, Donna E. Shalala, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, had addressed three specific concerns and that he was lifting his opposition. A voice vote on Dr. Henney’s nomination could come on Wednesday, the last day the Senate is expected to be in session this year. More : query.nytimes.com |