Despite congressional efforts to improve drug safety, the public has mixed feelings about the chances that legislation advocated by both the Senate or the House will make a big difference, according to a poll conducted last month by Harris Interactive.

For instance, more than half say they’re confident that the following measures in the Senate bill will improve drug safety: establishing a computerized network to scan insurance and pharmacy records for safety issues with new drugs; increasing fines for drugmakers that fail to comply with FDA requests for label revisions or additional studies, and allowing the FDA to fine drugmakers for false or misleading ads. But the differences narrow considerably when asked if the same moves will limit innovation.

There’s little confidence in a House bill that would provide $3 billion to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to compare drugs to determine which are the most cost-effective. Funding would come from the federal government, health plans and employers. But two-thirds say they’re not confident the move will contain health care costs, and 58 percent doubt safety and effective drugs will be ensured.

And when it comes industry funding user fees, the public is split on whether this is a good way to save taxpayers money. But more than half - 57 percent - say the FDA won’t be as rigorous as it should be when reviewing new drugs. You can read more here.