Senate Confirms Dr. Marty Makary and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to Lead Health Agencies
The Senate confirms Dr. Marty Makary and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the FDA and NIH, respectively, amidst controversy over their COVID-19 responses.
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Get StartedA Johns Hopkins surgeon, Makary will take over an agency hammered by workforce cuts imposed by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Senate confirms Marty Makary to lead FDA
The Hill·25d
·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The NIH needs a leader that will restore Americans’ trust in public health institutions and find unbiased solutions to Americans’ most challenging health problems.
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Daily Caller·25d
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.Bhattacharya and Makary will oversee two agencies crucial to implementing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s agenda of addressing the nation’s chronic health crisis.
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Newsmax·25d
·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Summary
DrMarty Makary and DrJay Bhattacharya were confirmed by the Senate to lead the FDA and NIH, respectively, with votes of 56-44 and 53-47. Both nominees have previously criticized the federal government's response to COVID-19 and are seen as pivotal in shaping health policy under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Makary, from Johns Hopkins, has emphasized the need for fresh leadership at the FDA, while Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor, aims to restore public trust in health institutions. Their confirmation reflects a broader shift in health policy priorities aligned with the Trump administration's agenda.
Perspectives
Marty Makary's confirmation as FDA commissioner was passed with bipartisan support, reflecting some Democratic backing despite concerns from their party.
Makary must address contentious issues, including access to the abortion drug mifepristone and vaccine policy under a skeptical HHS Secretary.
His previous criticisms of COVID-19 policies indicate he may favor reevaluating current practices at the FDA, while emphasizing the importance of vaccines.