The President’s proposal to freeze domestic discretionary programs in FY 2011 (and beyond) will force painful cuts across government and in programs that millions of American rely upon. Even some traditionally-favored agencies, such as NIH, are looking at only small increases. With a proposed 6% increase (about $150 million), FDA would seem to be doing far better than most.

FDA Matters feels strongly that this is not nearly enough. By my calculations, at least a $250 million increase for FDA would be needed, just to achieve the program levels anticipated in the President’s budget request. The Alliance for a Stronger FDA has asked for a $495 million increase, which could be put to good use by the agency. Why is 6% not enough? (more…)

The President’s FY 11 budget request for FDA includes a $146 million increase in appropriated (non-user fee) funding. This is about 6% of the $2.36 billion appropriation that FDA received in FY 10. With the President’s tough talk about deficit reduction, anything above a freeze should be considered good. Why was the Alliance for a Stronger FDA disappointed? (more…)

Tradition says nothing happens between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  People check out mentally and, as often as possible, physically. Not this December, not in Washington, DC.

Most attention is on the US Senate, which is working this weekend and remains under threat of “no days off” until healthcare reform legislation passes. Just as intensely, but much less visibly, the Executive Branch is working full-tilt to complete the President’s Budget Request for FY 11 prior to the State of the Union speech in late January.

Of the two December activities, the President’s budget is far more important to FDA. (more…)

With Congress on August recess, it is time to review and comment upon this year’s FDA-related legislation, which seems more far-reaching than usual. Matched with an activist agenda from FDA’s new leadership team, this could be a watershed year for the FDA. (more…)