FDA Gives Congress Reprieve On Deadline For Passing User Fee Bill

Commissioner Gottlieb says agency won't issue layoff notices 'unless and until Sept. 30 passes without reauthorization.'

FDA entrance sign 2016

In a memo sent to all employees July 24, Gottlieb said the agency has determined that it will not send reduction in force (RIF) notices on Aug. 1 to employees that could lose their jobs if the FDA Reauthorization Act (FDARA) is not enacted by Oct. 1. Legally, FDA must tell employees who are supported by user fee revenue at least 60 days in advance that they could be let go.

Gottlieb wrote that "because we can reasonably expect that there will be timely reauthorization of the user fee programs by Congress by Sept. 30, we do not anticipate initiating the...

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