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# Bernie Sanders to Head HELP Committee
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/bernie-sanders-to-head-help-committee/
- Published: 2022-11-18T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T18:06:59.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5153235

Senator **Bernie Sanders** (I-VT) is expected to become chairman of the FDA-watching Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee after current chair **Patty Murray** (D-WA) signaled she is seeking the chair position of the chamber’s Appropriations Committee. “As chairman of the committee, he will focus on universal health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, increasing access to higher education, and protecting workers’ rights on the job,” according to Sanders spokesman **Mike Casca**.

On the minority side, Senator. **Rand Paul** (R-KY) has passed on becoming the HELP Committee’s ranking member, and he is positioned to become chair of the Senate’s Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee next session. The move leaves Sen. **Bill Cassidy** (R-LA.) in line to be HELP Committee ranking member.

On the House side, Rep. **Cathy McMorris Rodger** (R-WA), the current ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, will likely become chair now that the Republicans have won back control of the House. Current chair **Frank Pallone** (D-NJ) is expected to become ranking member.

The HELP Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee both have FDA oversight responsibility.