McConnell schedules vote on Califf confirmation

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has set in motion a procedure that could lead to a vote to confirm Robert Califf as FDA commissioner. On Thursday, McConnell scheduled a vote for Feb. 22 on a cloture motion that would cut off debate on the confirmation. If at least 60 Senators vote for the motion, Califf could be confirmed despite holds placed on the confirmation by Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), as well as a threat by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) to filibuster the vote.

Markey said he was disappointed by McConnell's decision and said he will continue to use the confirmation process as a tool to express opposition to FDA's opioid drug approval process. ...