Five Democratic senators on Tuesday sent a letter to Scott Gottlieb, MD, President Donald Trump's nominee to head the Food and Drug Administration, regarding the imposed hiring freeze at the agency.
The senators called upon Dr. Gottlieb to explain how he would ensure the FDA has a sufficient amount of employees and resources to meet its federal responsibilities during the hiring freeze.
"The Trump administration has failed to present a clear view about hiring policies at the FDA and whether the agency will be prepared to meet its commitments," the senators wrote. "Given its crucial public health role, it is imperative that the FDA remain a strong regulatory agency equipped with sufficient, reliable funding and a robust workforce."
Five Democratic lawmakers signed the letter: Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mass., Sen. Patty Murray, Wash., Sen. Robert Casey, Pa., Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, R.I., and Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Wis.
President Trump in January signed an executive order implementing a hiring freeze on all federal agencies. At present, the FDA is short about 1,000 jobs.
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