as asked to resign. Crawford's tenure was marked by increasing criticism of the agency by those who contended it had become more interested in politics than in its mission to protect consumers. Asked if he was forced to resign, HHS spokeswoman Christina Pearson declined to comment further, calling it a personnel issue.

Last month, morale at the agency plummeted when Crawford indefinitely postponed nonprescription sales of morning-after contraception over the objections of staff scientists who had declared the pill safe. FDA's women's health chief resigned.

Many FDA critics lauded Crawford's departure.

“The American consumer should shed no tears at Mr. Crawford's resignation," said Sen. Byron Dorgan, a North Dakota Democrat who voted against Crawford's confirmation. “The fact is, he took the side of the pharmaceutical industry and against consumers at virtually every opportunity.”

“In recent years, the FDA has demonstrated a too-cozy relationship with the pharmaceutical industry and an attitude of shielding rather than disclosing information,” said Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, who has spent 18 months investigating the agency.

Crawford was confirmed as head of the FDA by the Senate on July 18. President Bush nominated him for the position in February. He had managed the agency since he became acting commissioner in March 2004 following Dr. Mark B. McClellan's tenure as commissioner. Previously Crawford had served as deputy commissioner during 2002.

Full coverage of Crawford's resignation and the possible impact on health freedom will appear in our next member newsletter.

Don't forget to voice your concerns to Congress. Click here to visit our Legislation Action Center and contact your representatives. It's easy, fast, and important! Did you know that 1 letter = 1,000 voices or more to members of Congress? Here are just a few of the health freedom bills currently in Congress.

Oppose Dietary Supplement Access and Awareness Act (HR 3156) - This legislation would regulate almost all dietary supplements like prescription drugs.

Support Consumer Access to Health Information (HR 2352) - This bill would ensure that the FDA does not suppress accurate health claims.

Oppose Dietary Supplement Regulatory Implementation (H.R. 2510) - this bill is trying a back-door approach to modifying DSHEA with focus on banning all supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids and establishing a system for the requirements for the reporting of serious adverse experiences.

Oppose Food Safety Administration (S. 729/HR 1507) – this bill would create a new food agency and transfers the FDA food functions, except dietary supplements, to the new agency and in essence repeal the Dietary Supplement Act (DSHEA).

Support Access to Medical Treatment Act (HR 2792) - would provide a much-needed federal statutory authority for Americans to use therapies and devices that have not yet been approved (or which may never be approved) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Best, Brenna Hill

Executive Director American Association for Health Freedom

PO Box 458,Great Falls, VA 22055

1.800.230.2760

www.healthfreedom.net

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