Alliance for A Stronger FDA Urges Congress: Provide Additional Funding Increases To Support FDA

Alliance for A Stronger FDA Urges Congress: Provide Additional Funding Increases To Support FDA ------------------ FDA’s FY 13 Funding Would Increase $22 Million Under Senate Bill WASHINGTON, D.C., April 26, 2012 – The Alliance for a Stronger FDA expressed appreciation for the Senate Appropriation Committee’s support of additional FY 13 funding for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, saying it is a “step in the right direction,” but that higher funding is needed given the FDA’s vast responsibilities and importance to public health protection. Under proposed legislation adopted by the Committee this morning, FDA’s appropriated funding would be increased by $22 million above its FY 12 level of $2.507 billion. "In this year of austerity, we appreciate that the Senate has proposed a small increase for FDA, even while many other agencies have been cut. This is clearly a step in the right direction” said Margaret Anderson, President of the Alliance and Executive Director of FasterCures. “However, FDA’s growing responsibilities and resource needs are not diminished because federal spending is being reduced. With no other agency as fallback, we believe that FDA's funding should be further increased to reflect the agency's vast responsibilities and increased workload. Inadequate funding for the FDA has real and immediate consequences as it jeopardizes the public health." "We are grateful for Senate leadership to assure that FDA has the funds to continue its current mission. However, this is not enough when the FDA mission is expanding and the agency is providing services and protections that Americans value," added Diane Dorman, Vice President of the Alliance and Vice President for Policy at the National Organization for Rare Disorders. "The Alliance, which represents the entire FDA stakeholder community, is concerned. We need a strong FDA.” Dorman noted that FDA not only protects and advances the public health, but also provides an economic benefit to the US. The importance of FDA and its regulated industry to the American economy is detailed in the Alliance's white paper: FDA: A Cornerstone of America’s Economic Future. The Alliance’s 200 members are comprised of consumer, patient, professional and research groups, companies, trade associations, and individuals who support increased appropriated funding for FDA. The Alliance is the only multi-stakeholder group that advocates for increasing resources at FDA to match the agency’s responsibilities. More information about the Alliance can be found at www.StrengthenFDA.org.