Published: 09-28-07
WASHINGTON- U.S. Rep. Joe Barton R-Ennis joined President Bush at the White House today as the President signed into law a bill to enhance the safety of our nation’s drug supply.“Prescription drugs have become a critical part of our health care system and it is amazing how much one small pill can do to improve the health of an individual when that pill is safe and effective” Barton said. “This bill will help ensure that the drugs in the American marketplace continue to do good not harm and I want to thank President Bush for having me at this important bill signing today.”
The legislation known as the Food and Drug Administration Amendment Act of 2007 gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to impose additional requirements on a drug when needed to ensure that a drug’s benefits outweigh its risks; require drug sponsors to conduct a clinical trial; and require that a drug maker make a label change.
The bill also improves children’s health by helping physicians obtain the information they need to make the best decisions for pediatric patients. In the past information was not available on the effect certain drugs would have if administered to children.
“The goal of the FDA is to ensure that the benefits of a drug outweigh any potential risk and ensure that patients have access to life saving and life improving medications” Barton said during the House debate of the bill. “The legislation…strives to ensure that the FDA has the authority to monitor drugs to ensure that the balance between benefit and risk remains in equilibrium.”
Also attending the bill signing ceremony which was held in the Oval Office were Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt and FDA Commissioner Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach.
Photo Caption: Congressman Joe Barton watches as President Bush signs the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2007 into law. Also attending the ceremony are from left Secretary Michael Leavitt Department of Health and Human Services and Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach FDA Commissioner.
