WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) led all Democratic members of the Maryland congressional delegation in requesting an “urgent” meeting with the newly confirmed Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. to discuss their profound concerns that the recent mass firings, forced staff departures and other serious disruptions will prevent the FDA from performing its critical mission.
“The FDA’s vital mission includes ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply, drugs, and medical devices,” the lawmakers wrote. “Following the reported mass firing of 3,500 FDA employees (about 20 percent of FDA’s workforce), as well as numerous high-profile departures, we are profoundly concerned about the FDA’s ability to keep Americans safe and healthy.”
“Whole communications teams were reportedly eliminated, hampering the FDA’s ability to inform the public about recalls of contaminated drugs or dangerous food products,” the lawmakers continued. “We are particularly concerned about the firings of veterinarians working on our nation’s response to the bird flu outbreak.”
The letter recognizes Dr. Makary’s decades of dedicated service to Maryland patients in his prior roles at Johns Hopkins and demands an “urgent” meeting to address lawmakers’ concerns.
The letter was signed by Maryland’s congressional delegation, including Rep. Raskin, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, and Representatives Steny Hoyer, Sarah Elfreth, Glenn Ivey, April McClain Delaney, Kweisi Mfume and Johnny Olszewski.
Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, Rep. Raskin has released numerous resources for communities targeted by the Trump-Vance Administration, including launching a webpage compiling information and services, convening webinars for federal workers, immigrants and LGBTQIA+ Americans, holding a telephone town hall for the Eighth Congressional District, and submitting a Privacy Act request to DOGE.
You can stay updated on Rep. Raskin’s work at his Congressional office and House Judiciary Committee Democratic websites.
###