Biden taps Robert Califf for FDA commissioner, and Manchin immediately opposes
CBSN
President Biden has finally announced his nominee for Food and Drug Administration commissioner, nearly 10 months into his presidency in the middle of a deadly pandemic — Dr. Robert Califf. This will be his second time in the job if confirmed, since he also served as FDA commissioner during the Obama administration.
As soon as the announcement was made, Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced his opposition, meaning the Biden nominee will only be confirmed if he receives Republican support.
"Dr. Robert Califf is one of the most experienced clinical trialists in the country, and has the experience and expertise to lead the Food and Drug Administration during a critical time in our nation's fight to put an end to the coronavirus pandemic," the president said in a statement announcing Califf as his pick. "As the FDA considers many consequential decisions around vaccine approvals and more, it is mission critical that we have a steady, independent hand to guide the FDA."
