2 Republicans in Senate Vow to Block F.D.A. Pick

Article in today’s New York Times — 2 Republicans in Senate Vow to Block F.D.A. Pick, by Gardiner Harris:

    Two Republican senators have promised to block the nomination of Dr. Andrew C. von
    Eschenbach to become commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, illustrating
    just how difficult filling the top job at the agency has become.

    Senator David Vitter, Republican of Louisiana, said Thursday in an interview that the
    Bush administration must legalize imports of some prescription drugs before he would
    allow the nomination to proceed.

    “It could be from Canada only, or for personal use only, or a pilot or limited program,”
    Mr. Vitter said. “But it has to be meaningful.”

    Senator Jim DeMint, Republican of South Carolina, will block Dr. von Eschenbach’s
    nomination unless the F.D.A. takes steps to remove the abortion drug RU-486 from the
    market, said Wesley M. Denton, Mr. DeMint’s press secretary.