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# Becerra HHS Confirmation May Free Up FDA Nomination
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/becerra-hhs-confirmation-may-free-up-fda-nomination/
- Published: 2021-03-18T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:51:28.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5148911

California attorney general **Xavier Becerra** was confirmed by the U.S. Senate 3/18 as HHS secretary, a move that could expedite the nomination of an FDA commissioner. The delay in nominating a commissioner has been noteworthy among FDA observers ([see earlier story](https://www.fdaweb.com/biden-pivoting-on-commissioner-frontrunners/)), with many acknowledging that two earlier prospects have likely fallen out of consideration — acting commissioner **Janet Woodcock** and former FDA principal deputy commissioner **Joshua Sharfstein**. Some lawmakers reportedly are not rallying behind Woodcock and her more than 25 years leading the drug Center at FDA due to her presiding over one of the worst regulatory agency failures in U.S. history, the opioid crisis, among other issues. The pivot away from Sharfstein follows criticism from patient advocacy organizations and industry about a lack of experience. Critics are urging a strong leader to repair the agency’s morale and credibility after political interference reached unprecedented levels during the Trump Administration.

A new [*Politico* report](https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/18/fda-janet-woodcock-476889?ref=fdaweb.com) is suggesting that Woodcock’s White House goodwill is intact. Last week, six former FDA commissioners urged President Biden to prioritize the nomination and confirmation of the agency’s top job, even throwing support behind a Woodcock nomination ([see story](https://www.fdaweb.com/six-former-fda-heads-urge-biden-to-pick-commissioner/)). In a 3/9 letter, the group expressed concern about the Trump Administration’s interference with the agency’s independence and lack of support to carry out essential science-based regulatory activities during the Covid-19 public health emergency. “To continue to advance the agency’s mission, and promote its independent role, we urge you to prioritize securing \[FDA’s\] leadership team,” they wrote. The letter was signed by **Robert Califf**, **Scott Gottlieb**, **Margaret Hamburg**, **Jane Henney**, **Mark McClellan**, and **Andrew von Eschenbach**.

Public Citizen health research group director **Michael Carome** is not a Woodcock supporter. “We basically have regulatory capture at the agency, which has corrupted and undermined the decisionmaking process,” he told *Politico*. Carome tusseled with Woodcock last year over the agency’s support of an Alzheimer’s drug that was voted down by an advisory committee. “She’s a bad choice,” he said.

White House officials have also approached Scripps Translational Research Institute cardiologist **Eric Topol** about interest in the FDA top job. Topol told Politico he turned the offer down. “It was a legitimate query, but I very quickly dismissed it,” said Topol. He called Woodcock a “highly competent” leader but urged the Biden officials to select a commissioner from outside the agency.

The Alliance for a Stronger FDA congratulated secretary Becerra on his confirmation and urged him to swiftly nominate and seek prompt confirmation of a permanent commissioner to lead the FDA. “FDA’s leadership has never been more essential than today, as we face the challenges posed by COVID-19 as well as constantly accelerating developments in science, technology, innovation, and social trends,” said Alliance president **Ronald J. Bartek**. “FDA needs a Senate-confirmed leader during these difficult and rapidly changing times. Accordingly, the Alliance for a Stronger FDA urges the new Administration and Secretary Becerra to nominate an FDA commissioner swiftly.”