UNPA / Update on government funding status

Dear Colleagues,

It appears the impasse on government funding has been overcome, at least temporarily. ...

This afternoon, the Senate voted 81-18 to move to consideration of a bill providing government funding through Feb. 8. While the Senate must still approve the actual bill, and the House must as well, it appears there is consensus for this legislation. The bill also contains a six-year reauthorization of the popular CHIP program and delays  some of the Affordable Care Act excise taxes, such as those for medical devices.

That said, this is something we will keep an eye on. A shut-down has a disproportionate impact on FDA activities relating to foods (and thus dietary supplements) because many other parts of the agency are funded through user fees. Estimates are that about 42 percent of the FDA staff is subject to a furlough. While we are informed that FDA has also made plans to keep almost 1,000 employees on the job for inspections, recall operations, AERs etc., the agency does typically halt some routine inspections and enforcement during a shut-down.

Warmly,
Patricia Knight
UNPA Senior Political Advisor