Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) issued the following statement today after the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 was unanimously reported out of the Energy and Commerce Committee:
“I’m pleased that we were able to come together in a bipartisan way to advance the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 out of Committee. In addition to reauthorizing the user fee programs, this important legislation will enable FDA to better incorporate the patient perspective in the regulatory process, advance regulatory science and support the modernization of the clinical trial and review process. While I appreciate that some members are concerned about greater clarity on off label communications, it would have been irresponsible to include a poison pill on this must-pass legislation. Such drastic policies with huge safety implications must be discussed in an open, transparent manner, and be viewed with caution. I am hopeful that we can move the user fees package to the House Floor for swift consideration and passage."
