The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requesting a budget of $4.7 billion to protect and promote the public health as part of the President's fiscal year (FY) 2014 budget.
Industry user fees would fund 94% of the proposed budget increase, including new fees to support the landmark Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and strengthen the FDA's ability to oversee imported food.
The remainder of the budget increases would support programs which are necessary to preserve the safety of medical products and meet the agency's growing duties.
The budget includes spending cuts in several areas, including a $15 million decrease in budget authority for human drug, biologics, and medical device programs.
"These are tight budget times, and the FDA budget request reflects this reality," said Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs. "Our budget increases are targeted to strategic areas that will benefit patients and consumers and overall strengthen our economy.
"Through the good work of the FDA, Americans will receive life-saving medicines approved as fast as or faster than anywhere in the world, confidence in the medical products they rely on daily, and a food supply that is among the safest in the world."
For more information visit http://www.hhs.gov/budget/.
