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BIO Strongly Supports the FDA Safety Over Sequestration Act

BIO released a statement in support of the FDA Safety Over Sequestration Act (H.R. 2725), which would exempt user fees, including those paid by BIO member companies, from the operation of sequestration.

Washington, D.C. (July 22, 2013)– The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today released a statement in support of the FDA Safety Over Sequestration Act (H.R. 2725), which would exempt user fees, including those paid by BIO member companies, from the operation of sequestration. 

The following statement can be attributed to BIO President and CEO, Jim Greenwood:

“BIO commends Representatives Leonard Lance (R-NJ) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), as well as Representatives Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Doris Matsui (D-CA), for their leadership on this issue. 

“BIO also commends the statements of support for fixing this problem expressed by members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees during recent committee action.

“It makes no sense to subject private company-paid user fees to sequestration.  Having privately-paid user fees subjected to sequestration will do nothing to lower our nation's deficit. 

“Instead, the only real effect is that FDA will not be able to access all fees, thus negatively impacting their ability to fulfill its mission of ensuring patient access to safe, effective new drugs and biologics. 

“We firmly believe that freeing the user fees so that FDA can fully access them will greatly benefit public health.  We call on the Congress to quickly consider and pass this vital legislation.”

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