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  1. Office of Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs

Office of Legislation

Erin O'Quinn

Erin O’Quinn, Associate Commissioner for Legislative Affairs

As Associate Commissioner for Legislative Affairs, Erin O'Quinn leads the Office of Legislation (OL), directing Agency interactions with Congress. Prior to joining FDA, Ms. O’Quinn worked for over a decade on Capitol Hill where she served as the Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) on the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), where she developed long-term strategic agendas and served as the primary advisor on all legislative and policy issues. Earlier in her career she worked as an HIV tester and medical case manager. Ms. O'Quinn received a Master of Public Health and Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she focused on Maternal and Child Health and Policy and Management.

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: 

Erin O'Quinn, Associate Commissioner for Legislative Affairs
Email: Erin.OQuinn@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 

Paul Aguilar, Legislative Director for Devices, Biologics and Tobacco
Email: Paul.Aguilar@fda.hhs.gov

Lauren Stump, Legislative Director for Foods and Veterinary Medicine
Email: Lauren.Stump@fda.hhs.gov

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

Manasi Raveendran, Senior Advisor for Oversight
Email: Manasi.Raveendran@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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