FDA, ReGen and Democrats

I heard this on the radio while returning from coffee.

“The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that four New Jersey congressmen and its own former commissioner unduly influenced the process that led to its decision last year to approve a patch for injured knees, an approval it is now revisiting.” (NYT)

Since the party wasn’t mentioned, and if they are Republicans, that is always noted, I came home and looked it up. Yup. Democrats. Although I suppose that is a given if the story is New Jersey, or corruption, you are to assume Democrats.

"All four members of Congress denied that ReGen’s political contributions had played any role in their efforts on its behalf with the F.D.A. and said they were merely doing their jobs by trying to help a constituent company."(NYT)

Really, is that the job of a Congressman--to help out a constituent's company? So what is the FDA's job?