"Right now, the FDA has its hands tied behind its back when it tries to manage the risks of drugs already on the market. This bill will clarify and strengthen the FDA's authority and give it new tools to take measured and appropriate steps to protect the health and safety of Americans," said Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., who wrote the main piece of legislation with Massachusetts Democrat Sen. Ted Kennedy.

Stripped from the legislation was a provision that would have placed a freeze on consumer advertising of newly approved drugs. The final bill does allow for fines for ads that are false or misleading.

The Senate also voided an effort to allow consumers to buy prescription drugs from abroad at a significant savings over domestic prices.

The bill would require stricter production and labeling standards for cat and dog food so people have more information about what they are feeding their pets.

It also would reauthorize a related user-fee program for medical device manufacturers and legislation meant to ensure that drugs and devices for children are safe and effective.

"Too many lives have been lost because the FDA has been too slow to act or didn't have the power to change a warning label or require a follow-up safety study," said Bill Vaughan, senior policy adviser for Consumers Union.

"It's now up to the House to get the strongest possible reforms approved so patients can have faith in the medicines they take each day," he said.

The FDA's proposal to Congress called for the drug industry to pay $393 million in annual fees; the Senate bill proposes increasing that by $50 million to defray added drug safety costs.

Overall, fees cover a majority of the FDA's drug-review budget, with taxpayer dollars making up the rest.

The FDA's entire annual budget is roughly $1.8 billion.