Capitol Correspondence - 10.01.18

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Emergency Response Bill, Covers Pandemics Such as Zika

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As shared by Homeland Preparedness News:

“The U.S. House of Representatives on [September 25, 2018] advanced bipartisan legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) to bolster America’s preparedness and response to public health emergencies, including biological threats like emerging infectious diseases, as well as chemical, bio or nuclear terrorist attacks.

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 H.R. 6378, among numerous provisions, would reauthorize and boost funding for programs under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop responses to pandemics and biological threats. The funding also supports drug makers in the research and development of medicines, medical devices and vaccines for use against man-made or naturally occurring diseases such as Ebola, pandemic flu and drug-resistant bacteria.”

ANCOR is sharing this news because the Zika virus, which has been tied to developmental disabilities in children born to mothers affected by the virus during their pregnancy, is considered a pandemic. The House bill has been sent to the Senate for review. ANCOR will keep members informed of any additional developments.