Activities

Association Mourns the Passing of FDAAA Honorary Member, Congressman Paul Rogers

The Association mourns the passing of FDAAA Honorary Member, the Honorable Paul G. Rogers, former Florida Congressman who died in Washington on October 13, 2008. He was 87.

Rogers, a Democrat, earned the nickname "Mr. Health" for his work on environmental and health care legislation during a 24-year career in Congress. Elected in Florida to fill a seat left vacant by his father's death, Paul Rogers served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1955 to 1979. His nickname came from his position as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Health and the Environment for eight years. He also left a legacy of health care legislation, including his work on the National Cancer Act of 1971, the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Air Act.

Rogers joined the law firm of Hogan & Hartson after leaving Congress. The federal courthouse in West Palm Beach bears his name.

FDAAA Member, Linda Horton, now an attorney at Hogan & Hartson said "Paul was a hero to many of us, someone who never let his considerable power and influence go to his head. He was always kind, taking the time to help people. Paul was the ultimate gentleman-- and a true advocate for health during his long career in the public and private sectors."

Congressman Rogers demonstrated a keen interest in FDA's consumer protection mission. For example, his personal contributions to the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 were substantial. One of his efforts with the Senate-passed devices bill led to section 510(k). Because he was concerned that FDA might not learn about a manufacturer's decision that its device is "substantially equivalent" to a previously marketed product, he directed the inclusion of a provision for FDA to be informed of such decisions 90 days before the device was put on the market. The resulting provision has been a key part of the law for the vast majority of devices that do not require full Pre-Market Approval Applications prior to their marketing. This is one of several provisions reflecting his personal input.

Paul G. Rogers was an honorary member of the FDAAA and was its first Harvey W. Wiley lecturer. He will be missed.