House Energy and Commerce Committee, FDA chief discuss COVID-19 response

House Energy and Commerce Committee members recently met with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 response.

“Energy and Commerce Committee members held a productive discussion with Commissioner Hahn,” Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR) said in a joint statement. “During the call, members discussed several important matters with the Commissioner, including FDA’s role ensuring the safety and accuracy of diagnostic and serological tests. We were also updated on efforts to supply much-needed medical devices, including testing supplies, and the development of potential COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.”

During the exchange, lawmakers received information regarding the efforts to support the development of safe and effective vaccines, therapeutics and serological tests; FDA’s ongoing work with test developers, laboratories and other federal agencies to ensure validation of serological tests as a part of the response to COVID-19; additional actions FDA will take to help states acquire the necessary supplies to greatly expand testing capacity; and FDA’s commitment to upholding the agency’s gold standard approval standard of safety and effectiveness for all medical products to treat COVID-19 and guarantee that science and data lead those decisions.

Pallone, Jr., and Walden said the conversation helps the Committee continue its oversight responsibilities and informs ongoing work to address the pandemic.