No real surprise that Frank Torti was named Acting FDA Commissioner. After all, as the Principal Deputy to the Commish, it makes both logical and bureaucratic sense. Facts and precedent notwithstanding, the usual suspects are trying very hard to make the case that this is a deliberate slight to Janet Woodcock. Balderdash.
What the Torti appointment does demonstrate (IMHO) is a vote of confidence on the part of the incoming administration in the agency's career staff -- and a polite "mind your business" to certain members of Congress. After all, it was only last month that Representative Bart Stupak wrote to President-elect Obama recommending, " ... not to appoint any current senior FDA employee as Commissioner or Interim Commissioner of the FDA."
Thanks Bart. But no thanks.
What the Torti appointment does demonstrate (IMHO) is a vote of confidence on the part of the incoming administration in the agency's career staff -- and a polite "mind your business" to certain members of Congress. After all, it was only last month that Representative Bart Stupak wrote to President-elect Obama recommending, " ... not to appoint any current senior FDA employee as Commissioner or Interim Commissioner of the FDA."
Thanks Bart. But no thanks.
