WASHINGTON (AP) — A Senate panel has voted to approve Dr. Robert Califf to be commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, but the nomination may face trouble on the Senate floor.
Califf is the No. 2 official at the agency, which regulates consumer products from medications to seafood to e-cigarettes. He was a prominent cardiologist and medical researcher at Duke University for more than 30 years.
Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska says she will hold up the nomination until she has reassurances from the FDA that genetically modified salmon will be labeled as such.
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont also has opposed Califf over pharmaceutical prices. The Democratic presidential contender has said he is considering holding up the nomination.
The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved Califf by voice vote.