Vitter, Manchin Introduce Legislation to Hold FDA Accountable for Approving Dangerous, Addictive Drugs

Press Release

U.S. Senators David Vitter (R-La.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today introduced the FDA Accountability for Public Safety Act, which would hold the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accountable for opioid drugs approved by the agency. The legislation would ensure that experts' voices are heard when the FDA is considering new, dangerous opioid medications.

"Consumer safety needs to be our top priority, and we can ensure it is by increasing accountability at the FDA," said Senator Vitter. "Specifically, additional review will increase accountability in the approval process for medications and protect against any conflicts between the FDA, pharmaceutical companies and expert panels."

"With 46 people dying every day from an overdose of prescription drugs across this country, it only makes common sense for the FDA to seek the advice of its expert panel and follow its recommendations concerning the approval of dangerously addictive drugs for public use," Senator Manchin said. "Regrettably, the FDA has proven time and time again that it is willing to ignore its own experts and approve medications that harm consumers. This is deplorable and unacceptable. Too many lives have been lost, too many families have been torn apart, and too many communities have been affected by these potent painkillers. I am proud to continue fighting this growing epidemic by introducing commonsense legislation that takes another step toward making sure the drugs our government validates are safe."

Source