As expected, President Bush nominated Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach to head the FDA. Von Eschenbach, who is serving as the acting head of the agency, is a former head of the National Cancer Institute. Observers predict a difficult and politically-charged confirmation process. Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA) have vowed to block the nomination unless the agency rules on Plan B, the emergency contraceptive pill. Washington insiders say the administration is likely to let the nomination remain on indefinite hold rather than risk approving the controversial pill.
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PLUS: Bush said he is against extending the May 15th deadline for Medicare Part D. A Senate resolution authorizing HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt to push the deadline back passed. Article