Lisa Murkowski
132:39 - 133:14
“I just need your commitment that FDA will maintain funding for these contracts with state and local governments because we need to have not only a good inspection system, but one that is cost effective and obeys or follows the will of Congress.”
- Speaker
- Lisa Murkowski
- Timestamp
- 132:39 – 133:14
- Transcript
- Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Hearings to examine the nomination of Heidi Overton
- Community
- Alaska News
- Captured at
- September 24, 2026
From the transcript
We perform— our DEC performs food safety inspection, permitting, and enforcement work under contract for FDA and has for many years. There's been efforts to cut funding for the state and food— local food safety programs, and we're told, and we believe this, that FDA says that they cannot as cost-effectively replace the state's DEC food inspectors We got some challenging geographic conditions in Alaska, but in other places as well. So I just need your commitment that FDA will maintain funding for these contracts with state and local governments because we need to have not only a good inspection system, but one that is cost effective and obeys or follows the will of Congress. Yes, Senator, I will work with you on that and ensure that that is— we are following the law, getting the best resources to Alaska. I know the FDA asked for form facility fees, but also better state sharing with state and local partners in food inspection.
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