> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.fdaweb.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Senate HELP Committee to Vote on Califf’s Nomination
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/senate-help-committee-to-vote-on-califfs-nomination/
- Published: 2016-01-05T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T02:25:05.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5134337

> The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee 1/12 will vote on **Robert Califf**’s nomination to become the next FDA commissioner. While his earlier [nomination hearing](http://www.fdaweb.com/login.php?sa=v&aid=D5133973&searchWords=sanders&cate=S&stid=%241%24MR5.l03.%245kK4G9nQjuYbwe9ScQJkD1) was relatively supportive, Califf was grilled by committee member and presidential candidate **Bernie Sanders** (I-VT), who is concerned about his previous close ties with industry. During the hearing, Sanders told Califf that America needs a commissioner who is going to stand up to the pharmaceutical industry and protect consumers, “and I have to say to you that you are not that person.”  
>  
>  
>  
> Joining the opposition, senator **Lisa Murkowski** (R-AK) recently said she will vote to block Califf’s confirmation due to lack of FDA cooperation and communication after its announcement to approve genetically engineered salmon. “I will not stand back and just watch these genetically engineered creatures be placed in our kitchens and on our tables without a fight,” she says. “I am furious about this decision, but now I must do everything I can to make sure it is labeled — consumers have a right to know what it is they are eating.”  
>  
>  
>  
> Meanwhile, Project On Government Oversight ([POGO](http://www.pogo.org/blog/2015/11/drug-problems-duke-reassessing-data-drug-trial.html?ref=fdaweb.com)) has stepped up its campaign against Califf‘s nomination, bringing into question his oversight of a controversial study while he was leading Duke Clinical Research Institute. The group says the study, which involved Janssen Pharmaceuticals’ blood thinner Xarelto (rivaroxaban), is now being reexamined by the university amid concerns about malfunctioning medical devices that may have affected the trial results ([see earlier story](http://fdaweb.com/login.php?sa=v&aid=D5134014&searchWords=califf&cate=S&stid=%241%24IN3.xb..%24mugWSnXf2H9aZWPhCk2e60&ref=fdaweb.com)).