Senate committee endorses Califf

The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted Tuesday to approve Robert Califf as FDA commissioner. Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) ordered a voice vote and there were no dissenters. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) voted for Califf, but said she would try to block a confirmation vote unless FDA requires mandatory labeling of genetically engineered salmon.

Committee member Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who was not present, said he would have voted against the nomination if a recorded vote had been taken. In a statement, Sanders said he opposes Califf because "we need a leader at the FDA who is prepared to stand up to the drug companies." ...