In some welcome news, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has dropped a plan to close testing laboratories nationwide, according to an article by Congress Daily reporter Anna Edney (reprinted at GovExec.com). As OMB Watch reported in July, FDA announced a plan to close seven of its 13 field labs responsible for testing food and drugs. The plan immediately drew the ire of Congress. Testifying July 17 before the House Energy and Commerce Committee's subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, FDA commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach said that the closings would enhance FDA's capabilities. But an investigation by the subcommittee found that FDA already lacked the necessary resources to ensure food safety and that closing labs would likely exacerbate the problem. A more recent report by an FDA advisory committee gave additional credence to the subcommittee's claims. It's not often that the Bush administration responds to Congressional and public outcry, so savor the moment.