President George W. Bush plans to nominate Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, the White House announced March 15

Food & Drink Weekly, March 20, 2006

President George W. Bush plans to nominate Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, the White House announced March 15. However, FDA's delay in approving an emergency contraceptive could jeopardize Senate confirmation. At least two Democrats indicated they will put a hold on the nomination.

Von Eschenbach, a urologist from Texas, has been leading FDA in an acting role since September 2005. He also leads the National Cancer Institute, although he has given its day-to-day management. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the House Appropriations Agriculture subcommittee's top Democrat, said she would expect von Eschenbach to relinquish his duties at NCI were he to become permanent FDA commissioner, an expectation she said she conveyed to him privately. The White House announcement did not indicate whether von Eschenbach would be expected to give up his role at NCI if confirmed as FDA commissioner.