President Joe Biden’s nominee to become director of the National Institutes of Health has agreed to a number of major ethics commitments pushed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren , including a pledge not to work for any major pharmaceutical companies for at least four years after leaving the government sector.
“I share your commitment to restoring public trust in government and, if confirmed, it will be a priority of mine as NIH Director,” Bertagnolli wrote. “I welcome the chance to discuss these or any other issues further at your convenience.” The commitments could also pave the way for the Senate to vote on Bertagnolli’s nomination when they return from recess next month, with Warren’s office telling Politico the Massachusetts Democrat now plans to vote in support of her confirmation. However, Bertagnolli still faces a similar standoff with Sen. Bernie Sanders , who has vowed to block a confirmation vote until the Biden administration takes stronger actions to slash drug prices.