Yesterday's Senate confirmation hearings – plus Rare Disease Day news

Thursday was a busy day in the U.S. Senate for administration nominees related to biotechnology—here’s what you need to know.

What happened yesterday:

• The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on Katherine Tai, the nominee for U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
• The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) held a hearing on two health nominees: Dr. Rachel Levine for Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Dr. Vivek Murthy for U.S. Surgeon General.
• The Senate confirmed Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, 64-35.

Nominated: Katherine Tai for U.S. Trade Representative

• Former Chief Trade Counsel to the House Ways & Means Committee.
• Former Chief Trade Counsel for China Trade Enforcement at President Obama’s Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
• Highly respected on both sides of the aisle (BIO joined a letter supporting Tai's nomination in January.)

Why we're talking about her: USTR focuses on several issues relevant to growing the American bioeconomy and advancing biotech solutions globally, especially intellectual property and trade enforcement in China. Another major concern right now is Mexico’s commitments in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USCMA), as Mexico’s food and drug regulatory authority has failed to assess and approve new drugs for human health and agricultural technologies.

Hearing highlights:

• Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR) asked about her priorities for USMCA, which was written “so that it would have real teeth” on labor and enforcement (around 1:25:00). Tai said her priorities for USMCA would be “to use those tools” for improved enforcement mechanisms.
• Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-ID) said “Mexico is taking a number of steps in the wrong direction” on agriculture, “maintaining or enacting new restrictions on the U.S. that lack any scientific justification,” including on biotech crops (around 1:31:00). Tai reiterated she would use the “full set of tools” available for dispute resolution.
• Phase One of the U.S.-China trade agreement included two key provisions: China was expected to purchase $31.5 billion in U.S. farm exports, and make systemic changes to practices that restrict farmers’ access to technology. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) asked whether she intends “to push China on those structural changes.” Tai said “we need to be exploring all of our options.” 

Nominated: Dr. Rachel Levine for HHS Assistant Secretary

• Former Pennsylvania Secretary of Public Health (2017-2021).
• Confirmation likely to be smooth, given her experience as a pediatrician and work on COVID-19 and the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania, says POLITICO.
• Would be the first openly transgender federal official confirmed by the Senate.
• Has strong support in Pennsylvania and the industry, with Christopher Molineaux, President and CEO of Life Sciences Pennsylvania, telling us they’re pleased with her nomination. 

Nominated: Dr. Vivek Murthy for U.S. Surgeon General

• Former U.S. Surgeon General (2014-2017).
• Co-chaired Biden’s COVID-19 advisory team during the transition.
• Faces skepticism from Republicans over potential conflicts of interest from earning millions in consulting fees from private companies on COVID health measures, his ability to be apolitical, and his past statements on gun violence, per ABC News.

Hearing highlights:

• COVID-19 hesitancy was a big topic of discussion, raised by Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-NC) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA). Dr. Murthy emphasized the importance of gaining trust, working with community leaders, combating fragmented information and misinformation, and trying to understand where people are coming from.
• Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) said combating hesitancy is important—but ensuring access and equitable communication about the vaccine is also important.
• Roger Marshall (R-KS) highlighted the need to speed up vaccination rates. Dr. Murthy suggested bringing in more primary care providers and pharmacists.
• Senators on both sides of the aisle spoke about health disparities, which was also a theme of Attorney General Becerra’s hearings earlier this week. This will likely be central to the Senate’s work this year; BIO remains committed to working on it, both legislatively and with member companies.

Confirmed: Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm

• Former Governor of Michigan (2003-2011) 

Why we’re talking about her: The Department of Energy (DOE) will play a key role in implementing Biden’s climate initiatives. As previously reported, DOE announced $100 million in climate innovation research opportunities to advance technologies including sustainable fuels for aircraft and ships, carbon-free heat and industrial processes that capture emissions, and more. 

BIO’s view: BIO looks forward to working with Secretary Granholm and DOE to advance public policy and R&D that supports science and innovation to spur investment and deployment of cutting-edge technologies to reduce GHG emissions in energy, manufacturing, and transportation. 

February 28 (Sunday) is Rare Disease Day, a day to raise awareness about rare diseases and the need for more R&D in them. Get inspired by a mom’s experience with rare disease—and learn how you can join in the conversations. 

Between 25-30 million Americans live with a rare disease—like REGENXBIO VP Lisa Carlton's daughter, who was born with tuberous sclerosis, a rare genetic condition that causes tumors or growths in the brain and other organs. Watch:

Yesterday, the Rare Disease Legislative Advocates in cooperation with the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus hosted a virtual briefing, Economic Burden of Rare Diseases in America: A Public Health Crisis, where a new National Economic Burden of Rare Disease Study was released. This first-of-its-kind study will help inform policy and raise awareness.  

The economic burden of 379 rare diseases reached nearly $1 trillion in the U.S. in 2019, says the new study. 

This is why we need more education and investment in treatments and cures. Here are two ways you can help raise awareness in the coming days:

• Attend the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) public meeting on March 5, which will highlight strategies to support rare disease product development. The event will feature FDA Acting Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock.
• The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is holding events across the country—learn more and join the conversation on social media with #showyourstripes and #rarediseaseday.

President Biden’s Friday: Heading to Houston to tour emergency response facilities and meet with volunteers. He’ll give remarks at the FEMA COVID-19 vaccination facility at NRG Stadium at 6 PM ET.

What’s Happening on Capitol Hill: Oh, no, it’s not the weekend yet. The House is expected to take up Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package today—so it could be a long day.