[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               FDA REFORM

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I rise today to once again commend the 
distinguished Senator from Kansas, Senator Kassebaum, on her remarkable 
leadership on the health insurance reform bill. In addition to 
completing action of this important legislation, it is my hope and 
intention to complete action in the fall on another piece of 
legislation that Senator Kassebaum has worked on for some time--S. 
1477, the Food and Drug Administration Performance and Accountability 
Act.
  Negotiations to bring all sides together on FDA reform have been 
ongoing throughout the 104th Congress and the Labor and Human Resources 
committee has reported out S. 1477 with overwhelming bipartisan 
support. Since that action, it is my understanding that some very 
serious discussions have been underway to resolve outstanding issues 
and that we are very close to reaching final agreement on compromise 
legislation. I am encouraged by these continued discussions so that 
this bill can be passed in a bipartisan manner when the Congress 
returns.
  Mr. President, it is also my understanding that the leadership in the 
House of Representatives is also close to reaching agreement on its FDA 
legislation. Working together, I am confident the House and the Senate 
can agree on bipartisan legislation that the President can be 
enthusiastic about signing.
  I urge my colleagues to work with Senator Kassebaum to complete this 
important legislation to modernize the FDA, to streamline the approval 
process, and to bring breakthrough medications to patients, all while 
maintaining the highest levels of safety for consumers.
  Mr. President, a remarkable amount of business has been accomplished 
in the past few weeks in the Senate on a bipartisan manner. It is my 
hope we can add FDA reform to the list.

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