WASHINGTON -- The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee voted unanimously Tuesday in a voice vote to approve the nomination of , as FDA commissioner.
Several committee members spoke briefly in praise of Califf, a cardiologist who is serving as the FDA's deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco.
"I said [at his confirmation hearing] on Nov. 17 that I have seen nothing that calls into question his ability to lead the agency fairly and impartially," said committee chair . "I believe that today ... I plan to support him for commissioner and I encourage my colleagues to do the same."
, the committee's ranking member, agreed. "I believe Dr. Califf will be a valuable partner as head of FDA," she said. "From his leadership and management experience ... through [his work on] clinical trials and his commitment to transparency in relationships with industry, Dr. Califf has made it clear he'll be a strong FDA commissioner."
The one divisive note in the hearing came from , who expressed concerns about Califf's response to her questions about labeling genetically engineered fish and using the best available science for determining nutritional guidelines related to fish.
"I was really taken aback that he wasn't direct with me," she said. "I got a little hot under the collar about that and said at that time that we need to have an understanding of where the FDA is going on this issue, and I said I would put a hold on this nomination as it comes forward."
"I want to make very, very certain that when we're talking about genetically engineered fish, that [it's clear that] voluntary labeling is not adequate," continued Murkowski, whose state has a large fishing industry. "It should be absolutely clear on its face what consumers would be getting ... I will vote to move him out of committee today but I want my friends and colleagues to be on notice that I have these concerns and would like to get these resolved before his name moves forward to the [Senate] floor."
One committee member conspicuously absent from the hearing was ; at Califf's confirmation hearing, Sanders, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, had pledged to oppose the nominee.
"I believe you are not strong enough on the most important issue the American people are concerned about with regard to prescription drugs," Sanders told Califf at the time.
"We all want great medicine to come on to the market but at the end of the day, people are dying, people are not buying food they need because they have to pay outrageous prices for medicine ... I believe we need a commissioner who is going to stand up to the pharmaceutical industry and protect American consumers. I have to say with regret that I think you are not that person."
Califf's nomination will now be sent to the Senate floor for a full vote.