Reid says Senate close on amendment agreement for FDA bill

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Wednesday morning that the Senate is "very close" to reaching an agreement to advance a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bill later in the morning.

"We're very close to being able to have an agreement, a path forward on this bill," Reid said in brief floor remarks. "That would be really a good thing for the country."

Reid originally said he hoped to have a deal by 11 a.m. when he set up a motion to proceed on the legislation, but at that time on Wednesday he moved the procedural move to 12:30 p.m.

Reid was less optimistic Tuesday evening that the Senate would be able to consider the bill, S. 3187. The legislation reauthorizes and expands the user-fee system at FDA, which supports say will help speed drug and device approvals at the agency.

An agreement to debate and vote on a handful amendments could allow the Senate to approve the bill before it leaves for a Memorial Day break.

—This story was updated at 11:11 a.m.

Daniel Strauss contributed reporting.