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Tauzin to Head Drug Manufacturer Lobbying Group …

Tauzin to Head Drug Manufacturer Lobbying Group ...

Rep. Billy Tauzin of Louisiana, former head of the House Commerce Committee and one of the key players in shaping the ’96 re-write of the Telecom Act, is leaving office to lead a drug industry lobbying group.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Chairman Miles White announced Tauzin would assume the role of President and CEO of PhRMA, effective January 3. Tauzin will replace Alan Holmer, who announced in January of 2004 that he would be retiring.
Tauzin, considered a longtime ally with NAB, gave up his leadership of the commerce committee in February, when he disclosed he had a bleeding ulcer. Later, his diagnosis was changed to intestinal cancer. He had led the committee for nearly three years, beginning in 2001.
“When I was in my fight with cancer earlier this year, I was reminded about my own mother who fought off cancer – three times – and my father-in-law, who is currently battling cancer,” stated Tauzin. “As I worked through my recovery, I realized that I wanted to work in an industry whose mission is no less than saving and enhancing lives.”
Tauzin was up for the job earlier this year but bowed out when Democrats criticized him for considering the post while still leader of the Commerce Committee, which regulates the drug industry.
He was first elected to Congress in 1980 as a Democrat and switched parties a decade ago. His son, Billy Tauzin III, lost his bid to replace his retiring father in a Dec. 4 runoff election.

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