FDA Commissioner pick Martin Makary faces tough questions from senators

USA – Dr. Martin Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and health policy expert, faced intense questioning from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee as part of his confirmation hearing to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Senators pressed him on key issues, including vaccine policies, abortion pill regulations, and staffing decisions at the agency.

Makary, known for his skepticism about widespread COVID-19 vaccinations in children, was asked about the recent cancellation of key FDA advisory meetings on vaccines.

Senator Bill Cassidy questioned how the agency could still benefit from expert advice if critical meetings like the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) were scrapped.

Makary distanced himself from the decision, saying he was “not involved” but promised to “take a look at it” if confirmed.

He also suggested that the committee had become a “rubber stamp” for the World Health Organization’s Global Influenza Programme (GIP), implying that its decisions lacked independent evaluation.

However, he did not commit to reinstating the canceled meetings, raising concerns about the agency’s transparency under his leadership.

Debate over abortion pill access

Another key issue was mifepristone, the abortion pill that has been widely used in the U.S. for over two decades.

When asked if he would reinstate the in-person requirement for obtaining the drug—reversing the FDA’s recent decision to allow mail-order access—Makary said he had no “preconceived plans” but would “take a solid, hard look” at the latest data.

His response alarmed Democratic Senators Patty Murray and Tammy Baldwin, who pointed out that decades of research have already proven the drug’s safety and effectiveness.

“The data is clear,” Baldwin stated, expressing concern that Makary’s stance could align with anti-abortion policies.

FDA job cuts and staffing uncertainty

Staffing changes at the FDA were also a major topic. Reports of job dismissals raised questions about whether Makary, if confirmed, would have full control over the agency’s workforce.

Senator Susan Collins asked whether “an outside force”—a possible reference to billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency—would be influencing staffing decisions.

Makary responded that he would “assess the staffing and personnel at the agency” to ensure essential scientists, food inspectors, and regulators have the resources they need.

However, he stopped short of confirming whether he would have the final say on staffing decisions.

Path to confirmation

Despite the tough questioning, Makary is expected to be confirmed, as the Republican-led Senate has shown strong support for his nomination.

His approach to vaccines, abortion policy, and FDA leadership will continue to spark debate, especially as public health policies remain deeply politicized.

The Senate HELP Committee is set to vote on his nomination on March 13. If confirmed, Makary will be responsible for overseeing the FDA’s drug approvals, vaccine regulations, and public health policies, shaping the future of healthcare in the U.S.