[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 24, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            VOTE EXPLANATION

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today the Senate voted on the confirmation 
of Dr. Robert Califf to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs, 
Department of Health and Human Services. While I was unable to vote 
today, I would have supported Dr. Califf's nomination, just as I 
supported proceeding to cloture on his nomination in Monday evening's 
vote.
  The Food and Drug Administration has lacked a permanent Commissioner 
for almost a year, despite its role overseeing the safety of 25 percent 
of goods sold in the United States, including food, drugs, medical 
devices, cosmetics, and vitamin supplements.
  I believe that Dr. Califf, a Duke cardiologist and clinical trial 
researcher endorsed by over 100 physician and patient groups, is well 
qualified to oversee this critical mission.
  I look forward to working with Dr. Califf to implement key public 
health priorities, including examining ways to tackle rising 
prescription drugs prices, improve clinical trials, and combat the 
opioid epidemic.
  (At the request of Mr. Reid, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record.)
 Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent for 
today's vote on the nomination of Robert McKinnon Califf to be 
Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and Human 
Services.
  I would have voted nay.

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