Makary, Bhattacharya Confirmed by Senate to Lead FDA and NIH
Stat News
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
The Senate has confirmed Marty Makary as the FDA commissioner and Jay Bhattacharya as the NIH director, with votes largely reflecting party lines. Bhattacharya was approved by a 53-47 vote with Republican support, while Makary received a 56-44 vote, including three Democratic votes. Both leaders highlighted their commitment to health reform during confirmation hearings, aligning with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's vision. They are entering their roles amid significant challenges, including workforce cuts and low morale at their respective agencies, with the FDA having recently laid off and rehired many staff, while the NIH faces concerns over potential layoffs and grant disruptions. Additionally, both nominees addressed scrutiny regarding their vaccine views, with Makary hesitating to endorse vaccines for recent outbreaks and Bhattacharya recognizing their significance while allowing for skepticism.
