Rep. Henry A. Waxman

Shortly after the posting of "Etopia Media Medical News Network #36: California Congressmember Henry Waxman attempts to pry crucial "FluGate"® documents loose from recalcitrant Food and Drug Administration in order to get the true and complete story of Bush Administration culpability in flu shot factory shutdown crisis", Etopia Media Medical News Network received an e-mail from the FDA, containing a statement from Dr. Lester M. Crawford, Acting FDA Commissioner.

Here, in its entirety, is Commissioner Crawford's statement:

"Responding to the unexpected flu vaccine shortage remains our most immediate public health priority.  At the same time, FDA is working hard to secure more flu vaccine, antiviral medication, and work to correct deficiencies at Chiron Corporation's manufacturing plant.  The production of the requested documents is a multi-step process across several FDA centers of operation and the same FDA staff are working diligently to provide a complete response to all of the Committee's questions.  In granting our request for an extension on October 22, 2004, Chairman Davis assured me that providing FDA additional time to fully comply with the Committee's request would not impede the Committee's ability to investigate the matter.  The document production is still incomplete and we are actively and diligently working to complete the response and will continue to fully cooperate with the Committee throughout this inquiry."

There were no documents attached to the e-mail.