Jennifer Black

At the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Legislation, Jennifer Black plays a role in managing FDA’s engagement with Congress. She contributes to a wide range of activities with FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, such as serving as a focal point for overall legislative liaison activities with and between the FDA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other agencies. Jennifer analyzes the legislative needs of FDA and develops legislative proposals, position papers, and departmental reports on proposed legislation for approval by the Commissioner and HHS. She advises and assists Members of Congress and congressional committees and staff in consultation with the Office of the Secretary on agency actions, policies, and issues related to legislation which may affect FDA. Jennifer also advises FDA officials, from wide-ranging expertise areas, concerning legislation that may affect FDA and prepares officials for engagement with Congress.

The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. FDA also has responsibility for regulating the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products to protect the public health and to reduce tobacco use by minors. FDA is responsible for advancing  public health by helping to speed innovations that make medical products more effective, safer, and more affordable and by helping the public get the accurate, science based information they need to use medical products and foods to maintain and improve their health. FDA also plays a significant role in the Nation's counterterrorism capability. FDA fulfills this by ensuring the security of the food supply and by fostering development of medical products to respond to deliberate and naturally emerging public health threats.