Ranking Member Bishop Statement at Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request for the Food and Drug Administration Hearing

Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Ranking Membero of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee's fiscal year 2024 budget request hearing for the Food and Drug Administration:

Thank you very much, Chairman Harris.

First, I would like to acknowledge that between the pandemic and the infant formula crises, FDA staff have been working over-time and then some.

Please know that your dedication does not go unrecognized.

I expect much of our conversation today to focus on the impact of possible severe budget cuts.

On that issue, Dr. Califf, you and I have talked, and I know you are worried about the impact of a possible 22% cut, or reverting back to the FY 2022 funding level, on things such as domestic and foreign inspections; your work on overdose prevention; and critical work screening imported products for illegal and dangerous drugs.

These are investments Republicans and Democrats have supported. And we have to fight to keep our food, our medicine, our medical devices safe for all American families. Unfortunately, despite the need to continue investing and conducting proper oversight over the FDA, House Republicans’ reported proposal to cut fiscal year 2024 discretionary spending back to the fiscal year 2022 level threatens much of the progress made in recent years to protect our food and drugs.

However, we must can’t neglect other topics, including the reorganization of the foods program.

I would like to get an update on your implementation of our mandated resumption of unannounced foreign medical product inspections in countries such as India. 

I would also like to talk to you about FDA’s work on finding alternatives to animal testing.

I would like your comments on the eye drop recalls and I would note that both of the eye drop products associated with the deaths and loss of sight were manufactured overseas.

And I’d like to also hear about the latest instance of contaminated infant formula marking the fourth formula recall over cronobacter contamination in the past year.

As I have said before, citizens put their trust in FDA’s regulation and oversight every time they sit down for a meal or take a pill and we deserve an FDA that is at the top of its game.

Thank you Mr. Chairman. I look forward to hearing from Dr. Callif, and I yield back.