Despite opposition from Senator Sanders, Republicans are supporting Biden’s NIH pick for a Senate vote.

Republicans and Democrats Unite⁢ to Advance‌ Biden’s NIH Director Nominee

Republicans on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee joined forces⁣ with the Democratic majority on⁤ Wednesday​ morning to push forward ‍President Joe Biden’s nominee for director ⁣of ‌the National Institutes of⁤ Health (NIH), Monica Bertagnolli.⁢ This decision came despite⁢ strong opposition from committee chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

“The NIH is in desperate need for leadership,” said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), the top Republican on the panel, prior to ‍the ⁢vote. “I⁣ think [Bertagnolli] will provide the leadership ​we need now.”

Strong Support and Opposition

Out of ⁣the‍ committee members, 15 senators voted in favor of Bertagnolli’s confirmation, including ⁤Cassidy and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT). However, Republican Sens. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rand Paul (R-KY), Mike ‌Braun (R-IN), and Ted Budd (R-NC) voted ​against her confirmation.

Biden nominated Bertagnolli, the current head of the National Cancer ‌Institute at NIH, in May to⁢ fill the directorship position ⁢after the retirement of former director Francis⁣ Collins in‌ December 2021.

Sanders, a prominent critic of ‍drug companies in Congress, ⁢expressed his opposition to Bertagnolli’s nomination, ⁢stating that she has not convinced him of her readiness to challenge the ⁢greed and power of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. He​ emphasized the need for transformative‌ changes at NIH ‌during this⁣ critical moment.

Commitments and Promises

During her hearing⁤ last week,⁢ Bertagnolli reiterated her pledge not⁢ to accept a position ‍at a major pharmaceutical company within⁣ the first ⁣four years​ of her retirement from ⁤the public sector. She also assured ⁢compliance with congressional oversight efforts, particularly regarding the ongoing ‍investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cassidy expressed confidence in Bertagnolli’s ability to ‍remain impartial ⁤in the​ prescription ‌drug pricing debate, focusing on bringing scientific clarity ⁢to policy discussions. ⁣He also vowed to hold her accountable to resist‍ pressure from progressive factions on drug policy and‌ the ⁣continuation of fetal⁤ tissue research.

Support for‌ Bertagnolli’s Confirmation

President Pro Tempore of ‌the Senate Patty Murray (D-WA) voted in favor of Bertagnolli’s confirmation, highlighting her belief that⁤ Bertagnolli is the right person⁢ to ensure NIH remains at the forefront of innovation​ and research, fulfilling its critical mission.

“Getting a permanent NIH director on board is of ‌the utmost importance,” Murray stated.‍ “She will bring steady ​leadership, extensive professional‍ knowledge, and valuable personal ⁣experience that will undoubtedly shape⁣ her approach to ‍this role.”

White House ⁢Responds to Opposition

In response to ‌Sanders’s objection⁤ to Bertagnolli, ⁢the White House assured the Washington Examiner that while they share concerns about healthcare system reform, Bertagnolli is highly qualified for the ‌position.

“Dr. Bertagnolli‌ is a world-class‍ physician-scientist ‍whose vision and leadership will ensure NIH ‍continues to be an⁢ engine of innovation ‍to improve the health of the American people,” stated a White House spokesperson.‌ “We look⁣ forward ​to working with the Senate to swiftly confirm Dr.⁤ Monica Bertagnolli.”

If⁣ confirmed, Bertagnolli would make history as⁤ the first permanent ​female⁤ director​ of the NIH.

Click here‌ to read more from the Washington Examiner.

What commitments did Monica Bertagnolli⁣ make regarding transparency and accountability in scientific research and data sharing during her nomination for NIH director?

Or pharmaceutical company for at least three years after leaving NIH. She also committed⁢ to ‍transparency and accountability in⁢ scientific research and data sharing, as ‍well as prioritizing diversity and inclusion in the NIH workforce.

Supporters of Bertagnolli’s nomination highlight her extensive experience and leadership in the field of cancer research. As the head of the⁣ National Cancer Institute, she has demonstrated a commitment⁣ to advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient outcomes. Her supporters‌ argue that she is ⁢well-equipped to lead NIH during this ‌crucial time, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges ⁣such ⁢as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ​need for​ innovative medical​ advancements.

Opponents, on the other​ hand, question Bertagnolli’s ability to ‍challenge the influence of pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. They argue that her‍ ties ⁤to the National Cancer Institute and the larger NIH⁢ system may limit her ability to enact significant changes in these areas. They emphasize the need for a director who is willing to take bold action and push for transformative ​reforms.

Despite⁣ the​ opposition, Bertagnolli’s confirmation by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and ⁢Pensions Committee marks ⁢a‌ significant step towards her appointment as director of the National Institutes of Health. ⁢The committee’s decision to unite across party lines in support of her nomination demonstrates a willingness for bipartisan⁢ cooperation in ‌advancing the Biden administration’s agenda.

However, Bertagnolli’s⁤ confirmation still requires a full vote ​by the Senate. It remains to be seen whether she will receive the necessary support to⁤ assume⁤ the ‌role of NIH director. The final decision rests in the hands of⁤ the Senate, where both Republicans and Democrats will have the opportunity to weigh‌ in on her nomination.

In conclusion, the vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to advance Monica Bertagnolli’s nomination for NIH director showcases a rare moment of unity between ‍Republicans and ⁢Democrats. ‌While opposition‍ from committee chairman Bernie Sanders highlights concerns about her ability to challenge‌ powerful industries, supporters emphasize ‍her‌ experience and commitment to scientific advancement. The‍ confirmation process now moves to the full Senate, where the fate of⁤ Bertagnolli’s⁤ appointment as director of the National Institutes of Health will ultimately be determined.

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