As part of the Alliance for a Stronger FDA, the Heart Rhythm Society met this week with the offices of Representative Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), member of the Appropriations Committee and Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.

The Alliance for a Stronger FDA recommends $2.1 billion as FDA’s FY 2009 appropriated budget. This figure would provide resources to begin the rebuilding of infrastructure as well as fund programs to assure the safety of foods and cosmetics and the safety and efficacy of drugs and medical devices. The Alliance is advocating an increase of approximately $380 million —seven times the Bush Administration request, but less than 20% above the current year’s appropriation.

For the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, the Alliance is requesting a $35 million increase to update its ailing IT infrastructure and improve pre- and post-market surveillance processes.

The Alliance for a Stronger FDA unites a broad group of patient groups, consumer advocates, biomedical research advocates health professionals and industry to work to increase FDA‘s appropriations. It is supported by leading public health advocates, including three former HHS Secretaries and seven FDA Commissioners. The Alliance is designed to be a multi-year effort to (1) assure the FDA has sufficient resources to protect patients and consumers and (2) maintain public confidence and trust in the FDA. Learn more about the Alliance for a Stronger FDA (PDF, 68K)