In an e-mail sent today to FDA employees, which was obtained by FDA Legislative Watch, FDA commish Andy von Eschenbach sought to reassure staff that the agency believes Congress is on track to reauthorize the the user fee acts for drugs devices when they return in September. Andy reiterated that the agency will use “carryover funds” to delay sending layoff notices to employees whose salaries are supported by user fees.

“I share with you the disappointment that in spite of our efforts Congress has not yet reauthorized these critical programs,” Andy wrote in his characteristic warm and fuzzy manner. “But I remain confident of its successful resolution, and I urge that we all move forward in a positive manner as we work toward bringing this process to a conclusion.”