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  1. Office of Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs

Office of Legislation

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Brian Fahey, Associate Commissioner for Legislative Affairs

Brian Fahey serves as the Associate Commissioner for Legislation at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a position he has held since September 2025. In this role, he leads an office charged with being the Agency’s leading voice to Congress to advance FDA's top legislative priorities. He joined the FDA in July 2025 as a Senior Advisor before assuming his current role.

Prior to joining the FDA, Brian built nearly a decade long career working as a Congressional staffer for senior Members of Congress. Most recently, he served as a Professional Staff Member on the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee under Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), focusing on policies to promote innovation in health care and lower costs for everyday Americans.  Before that, he served as Legislative Director for Representative Guthrie, the then-Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee — work that gave him deep expertise in the American health care system, and specifically the breadth and depth of U.S. Food and Drug Administration policy.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Delaware, where he was recognized on the University Dean's List and was a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Mission

The Office of Legislation (OL) directs and manages FDA interactions with Congress, ensures that Congress has the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding FDA regulatory actions, coordinates legislative activities with the Department of Health and Human Services, and manages FDA’s response to requests from the various entities that serve Congress (CRS, CBO, and GAO). In addition, OL provides essential information and guidance on relevant Congressional actions to FDA Leadership and advises them in advance of hearings and other key engagements.

Functions

  • Advises and assists the Commissioner and other key agency officials concerning legislative needs, pending legislation and oversight activities that affect FDA.
  • Serves as the focal point for overall legislative liaison activities within FDA and between FDA, HHS, and other agencies; and analyzes the legislative needs of FDA and drafts or develops legislative proposals, position papers, and departmental reports on proposed legislation for approval by the Commissioner.
  • Advises and assists Members of Congress and congressional committees and staffs in consultation with the Office of the Secretary on agency actions, policies, and issues related to legislation which may affect FDA.
  • Prepares the FDA Commissioner and other senior FDA officials to testify at Congressional hearings; 
  • Analyzes pending legislation to assess likely impact on FDA; 
  • Monitors and keeps the FDA community informed about key legislative developments that may affect FDA; 
  • Briefs Members of Congress and their staffs on FDA priorities and programs; and
  • Coordinates visits to FDA by Members of Congress and their staffs.

FDA-Affiliated Agencies & Organizations:

FDA Leadership

OL Senior Staff: 

Brian Fahey, Associate Commissioner for Legislative Affairs
Email: Brian.Fahey@fda.hhs.gov

Lauren Paulos, Deputy Director
Email: Lauren.Paulos@fda.hhs.gov

Uchenna Alexander, Congressional Correspondence Team Supervisor
Email: Uchenna.Alexander@fda.hhs.gov

Kate Werley, Acting Legislative Director for Drugs
Email: Kaitlyn.Werley@fda.hhs.gov

Patrick McCarthy, Special Assistant for Oversight
Email: Patrick.McCarthy@fda.hhs.gov

Syrena Priestley, Executive Assistant
Email: Syrena.Priestley@fda.hhs.gov

Sheryl Moats, Management Analyst
Email: Sheryl.Moats@fda.hhs.gov

FDA Organizations:

Contact the Office of Legislation

Phone: 301-796-8900 | Fax: 301-827-8602 | Email: legislation@fda.hhs.gov

Resources For You

 



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