News Release

Statement by Mike Leavitt
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Regarding Senate HELP Committee Action on Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach
To Be New FDA Commissioner

I am pleased that the Senate HELP Committee acted today to approve the nomination of Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to send the nomination for further action by the full Senate. Andy has ably led the FDA as its acting commissioner since September 2005, and he is an inspired leader whose devotion to public service is driven by his passion for the care of patients and for finding cures through research. I look forward to his confirmation by the full Senate, as the nation is best served by permanent leadership at the FDA.

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Last revised: September 20, 2006