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# No Rush on FDA Nomination: HHS Secretary
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/no-rush-on-fda-nomination-hhs-secretary/
- Published: 2021-06-17T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T17:03:50.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5149564

HHS secretary **Xavier Becerra** says there is no immediate rush to nominate an FDA commissioner and that the agency is fortunate to currently have acting commissioner **Janet Woodocock** at the helm. In a [6/16 interview](https://about.bgov.com/news/health-care-briefing-more-time-needed-on-fda-pick-becerra-says/?ref=fdaweb.com) with Bloomberg news, Becerra had this to say about the unfilled agency post: “So I think what you’re going to do is find that as soon as the president has a chance to think a little bit closer, we’ll be able to work with him to see if we can get a nominee.”

“I know everybody’s anxious because FDA is such an important position. So stay tuned,” Becerra said. He wouldn’t directly address rumors that Biden wants Woodcock to take the job permanently, but he did say the agency has been fortunate to have her at the helm. “She’s obviously not a stranger to the FDA, and she’s done a lot of the tough work, and it’s great that she’s been there,” he said. “FDA is an important position and it should not be taken lightly, and it won’t go to just anybody. And I think you’re gonna find that whoever gets to step in as the full-time is gonna be credentialed and ready to lead,” Becerra said.

Woodcock could remain at her post for the remainder of the year, if the administration so chooses. Under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 ([here)](https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/Vacancies%5FReform%5FAct%5F1998.pdf?ref=fdaweb.com), Woodcock could serve as acting commissioner for an extended 300 days, according to [Alliance for a Stronger FDA](https://strengthenfda.org/2021/04/03/legal-limitations-on-appointment-of-new-fda-commissioner/?ref=fdaweb.com). She could continue in her current role through mid-November unless she or another individual has been nominated, and if that happens she would be able to remain in the post until the nominated person is confirmed.