Biden’s FDA Chief Confirmed by Senate With Republicans’ Help (1)

Robert Califf will lead the Food and Drug Administration once again after the Senate voted 50-46 Tuesday to confirm him, overcoming opposition from some lawmakers over his industry ties and the agency’s past actions on an abortion-inducing drug.

Califf will be tasked with overseeing the agency as it weighs clearing Pfizer Inc.’s Covid-19 shot for kids under age 5, as well as other vaccines and treatments for the virus. He’ll also be charged with rebuilding public trust after the FDA’s controversial approval of Biogen Inc.’s Alzheimer’s drug and quick Covid-related authorizations.

Republican Sens. Roy Blunt (Mo.), Richard Burr ...