That’s what sources are saying, even though no formal announcement has been made. Nonetheless, Room 2123 in the Rayburn House Office Building has been reserved that morning by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the FDA. And U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an outspoken FDA critic, is scheduled to appear as a witness, according to his office.

The hearing will supposedly focus on the Ketek antibiotic, but also take up the larger issue of drug safety and include testimony from FDA whistleblowers. Beltway insiders will be watching to see the extent to which the hearing may shape behind-the-scenes jockeying in the House and Senate over competing bills to reform the FDA, which was detailed in The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) the other day.

Last week, U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and U.S. Sen. Michael Enzi (R-Wyoming) introduced such a bill that would authorize the FDA to impose new safety requirements. At the same time, Grassley and U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Ct), introduced a bill that would create a separate office to oversee drug safety. [tags]Chris Dodd, Chuck Grassley, Drug Safety, FDA, House Energy and Commerce Committee, John Dingell, Ketek, Mike Enzi, Ted Kennedy[/tags]