DeLauro on the FDA's budget request

The FDA's revised budget request of yesterday for an additional $275 million for fiscal year 2009 is drawing both praise and some "I told you so's." From the office of Rep. Rosa DeLauro:

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) issued the following statement on the Bush Administration’s request for an additional $275 million for the Food and Drug Administration for fiscal year 2009.

“In submitting a revised budget plan for fiscal year 2009 that includes an additional $275 million for the FDA, the Administration is finally listening to the many voices that have been clamoring for these additional funds over the past several years. However, by using vague offsets from other important accounts, such as the Social Services Block Grant program, to pay for the FDA funds, it is very difficult to view the overall budget plan from the Administration as credible.

“The current Salmonella outbreak involving tomatoes is a prime example of the battles facing the FDA and how necessary the additional funds will be to allow the FDA to combat future outbreaks.

“The additional $275 million would represent a down-payment for the future of the FDA. These funds are critical to establishing a good foundation that will allow the agency to protect our food supply, and ensure the safety and efficacy of our prescription drugs and medical devices. It will move us one step closer to our goal of restoring the FDA to the gold standard for which it was once known.

“Despite the budget games being played by the Administration, I commend Commissioner von Eschenbach for their efforts in urging the Administration to act. I look forward to working with him, as well as a variety of experts and former FDA staff to identify the specific initiatives and activities where these needed resources can be best applied. I am concerned that FDA’s new plan for allocating the $275 million contains some changes from the original proposal the agency submitted to the Senate so I intend to study these changes closely. We need to develop a credible plan to ensure that the funds are spent wisely and managed appropriately.”