When David Graham spoke truthfully to Congressional Committees about the dire state of drug reviews at the FDA, he was willing to risk his job to make the American people safer. Now, despite the efforts of Chuck Grassley, he might lose his job. The Washington Post's Marc Kaufman has the story buried on page A17 of tomorrows paper.

Food and Drug Administration whistle-blower David J. Graham believes he will soon be transferred or fired in retaliation for telling a congressional hearing that the agency is falling short on ensuring drug safety, but his Senate champion is trying to keep that from happening.

In a letter sent yesterday to acting FDA Commissioner Lester M. Crawford, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) formally asked whether Graham was going to be moved, and made clear that he would regard any reassignment as punishment for Graham's public criticism of the agency.

"I understand that retaliatory action against dissident employees can come under many guises," Grassley wrote. "Therefore, I . . . request that you address allegations that administrative action may be taken against Dr. Graham, including that he may be terminated or transferred against his wishes to a job other than conducting scientific research. Please advise me whether there is any truth to these allegations."

An FDA spokesman said that he could not comment on personnel matters because of privacy considerations.

If Graham is indeed fired for doing his job properly rather than toeing the line for the GOP, it will be a sad day for America. Maybe not Mr. Smith Goes To Washington sad, but disappointing nonetheless.