Dr. Marty Makary advances out of key committee in bid for FDA confirmation
President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Marty Makary, has successfully passed a key committee vote of 14-9 on Thursday morning. This paves the way for a full Senate vote on his nomination. If confirmed, Makary will work alongside Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the nominee for National Institute of Health (NIH) Director, to help achieve Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda.
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) voted in favor of Makary’s confirmation following his committee hearing last week. During the hearing, Makary expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to bring about significant changes in American healthcare. He highlighted the importance of focusing on healthy foods and addressing issues such as childhood obesity and the rise of early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Makary emphasized the need for radical transparency at the FDA to facilitate more cures, treatments, and diagnostics. He also pledged to prioritize the well-being of FDA personnel while ensuring they have the necessary resources to carry out their duties effectively.
During his confirmation hearing, Makary faced tough questions from Democratic senators on various topics, including vaccines, abortion, chronic illness, and food safety. When asked about revoking the approval process for Mifepristone, Makary stressed the importance of making decisions based on scientific evidence.
Makary, known for advocating natural immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, turned a question about vaccine processes back on Sen. Patty Murray, pointing out the Biden administration’s decision to skip a key step in the COVID-19 booster process. He committed to evaluating which topics warrant convening the FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee.
If confirmed, Makary plans to lead his own Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) investigations to improve agency efficiency. He has been critical of the FDA’s culture and has advocated for scientific advancement within the agency.
President Trump nominated Makary for FDA Commissioner in November, citing the need for fresh leadership to refocus the agency’s goals. Trump expressed confidence in Makary’s ability to lead the FDA and work towards addressing the Childhood Chronic Disease Epidemic.
In conclusion, Dr. Marty Makary’s successful committee vote brings him one step closer to leading the FDA and implementing positive changes in American healthcare. His commitment to transparency, scientific evidence, and efficiency will be crucial in fulfilling the Make America Healthy Again agenda.
