WASHINGTON—Lawmakers on Thursday moved to block the Food and Drug Administration from closing more than half its field laboratories, acting out of concern the plan could weaken the safety of the nation’s food supply.
Congress would withhold funds for the closure from the agency “pending further review,” under the provision inserted by the House Appropriations Committee in the bill that funds the FDA.
The FDA says it wants to close the labs to modernize its food safety efforts. Lawmakers, some lab employees and the union that represents much of the FDA work force all believe closing labs would make matters worse.
In a hearing earlier this week, employees from various labs slated for closure, including those in Denver and San Francisco, told lawmakers the plan would have a negative impact on safety and likely lead to a brain drain from the agency.
The full House is expected to consider the bill next week. It includes $1.7 billion for the FDA.
