In a March 6 confirmation hearing, Martin Makary, MD, MPH, answered questions before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee about drug, vaccine, and food safety, transparency, recent agency layoffs, and other issues he would consider if confirmed as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) in his opening remarks, noted Makary’s “experience as a surgeon and an effective health policy communicator [who] can help our public health agencies rebuild trust with the American people.” He and other Republican members of the committee inquired about in-person mifepristone dispensing requirements, vaccine transparency, artificial food dyes, and using artificial intelligence for expedited drug approvals.
Before the hearing began, Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called for the committee to authorize an investigation into the U.S. DOGE Service and subpoena Elon Musk. The vote failed, the committee adjourned for a short recess, and Sanders did not return for the full hearing. Committee Democrats pressed Makary on cancellations of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee, staffing shortages, clinical trial diversity, among other topics.
The committee is scheduled to vote on the nomination on March 13.
- Washington Highlights