Durbin Statement On The Resignation Of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary

Durbin Statement On The Resignation Of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement regarding the resignation of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary:

"I voted for Dr. Makary to head the FDA based upon his commitment to say 'no' if President Trump asked him to do something that would harm America. Dr. Makary kept his word. He resisted Trump's plan to expose millions of children to the dangers of vaping.

"I hope Dr. Makary will inspire others within the Trump Administration to grow a spine and put the families of America ahead of blind loyalty to this President."

Durbin has been a vocal leader in the fight against Big Tobacco since he lost his father to lung cancer when Durbin was 14 years old. He went after Big Tobacco when he served in the House of Representatives and led the charge to ban smoking on airplanes, which eventually led to bans on smoking in restaurants, office buildings, trains, and other locations. Durbin has also led efforts to grant FDA jurisdiction over tobacco, raise tobacco taxes to prevent youth initiation, and enhance support for tobacco cessation tools.

During last month's Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing about the President's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Durbin called on Secretary Kennedy to crack down on illegal e-cigarette products, especially those targeting children.

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