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  1. Office of Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs

Office of Legislation

Courtney Bradway Headshot


Courtney Bradway, Associate Commissioner for Legislative Affairs

Commissioner for Legislation at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a position she has held since July 2026. In this role, she leads the Office of Legislation, serving as the Agency's primary liaison to Congress in advancing FDA's legislative priorities.

Courtney joins the FDA after completing her second tour at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where she served for nearly four years across two Presidential Administrations. Most recently she served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legislation (ASL), a position she held beginning in January 2025. Previously, she served as Congressional Liaison in ASL from 2019-2021. Between her two tours at HHS, Courtney served for four years in the private sector, consulting healthcare organizations and industry stakeholders on federal health policy, legislative strategy, and regulatory affairs.

She brings with her more than a decade of expertise working in and with Congress, including bicameral experience on Capitol Hill, where she concluded her service with former Senator Bob Corker (R-TN).

A North Carolina native, Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Arts in American Government from Appalachian State University. 

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: 

Courtney Bradway, Associate Commissioner for Legislative Affairs
Email: Courtney.Bradway@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

Mahlet Goitom, Legislative Director for Foods, Tobacco, and Veterinary Products
Email: Mahlet.Goitom@fda.hhs.gov

Kate Werley, Legislative Director for Drugs, Devices, and Biologics
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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