Senate clears way for approval of new FDA commissioner

WASHINGTON — The Senate has cleared the way for approval of President Barack Obama's nominee for commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration.

Senators voted 80-6 Monday to end a Democratic filibuster of Obama's pick to head the agency. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Ed Markey of Massachusetts had held up the nomination of Dr. Robert Califf in an effort to force the agency to be tougher on prescription drug prices and the abuse of opioid painkillers.

A confirmation vote could come as early as Tuesday.

http://www.startribune.com/senate-to-weigh-moving-ahead-on-fda-nominee/369700111/