Senate Confirms Crawford, At Last

Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry Magazine
MDDI Article Index

Originally Published MDDI August 2005

NEWSTRENDS

After a prolonged delay, the Senate in July confirmed Lester M. Crawford as FDA commissioner. His nomination passed by a vote of 78–16.

Crawford has served four tenures at FDA. He has twice been acting commissioner, the second time starting in March 2004. He is the first commissioner to come from FDA's internal ranks since 1954.

President Bush nominated him in February, but the vote had been delayed because of a controversy over review of a morning-after contraceptive pill, among other reasons.

Industry welcomed the news. Both AdvaMed and the Medical Device Manufacturers Association issued statements applauding the vote and praising Crawford.

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