Here are four things to know:
1. In April, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions confirmed Dr. Gottlieb’s nomination, mostly along party lines.
2. During the hearing, Dr. Gottlieb said if confirmed, he would work to maintain the public’s trust. He said he fully understands how essential it is for him to be impartial. Dr. Gottlieb is a fellow of the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute and is also a health policy analyst.
3. Various Democrats have voiced opposition to the nomination, including Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass. Mr. Markey said he worried about Dr. Gottlieb’s relationship with an opioid manufacturer.
Mr. Markey said, “Cephalon [the manufacturer] ultimately pleaded guilty in 2008 to illegally promoting the drug and paid a $425 million fine. This relationship is deeply disturbing; Dr. Gottlieb seems to believe pharmaceutical company profits are more important than the public’s health,” according to MedPage Today.
4. Many Republicans, including Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, applauded the confirmation. Mr. Hatch said Dr. Gottlieb is more qualified than any other FDA commissioner who has taken the helm in past years.
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