Pandemic Assistance Legislation Becomes Law (Includes Zika, Disability Committee)

ANCOR is sharing this statement by the White House as an update on this previous article, which detailed the passage out of Congress of S.1379. This bill covered the federal government’s ability to assist with pandemics and local disasters. Pandemics include the Zika virus, which has been tied to developmental disabilities in children exposed to the virus in utero. The bill also creates a National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters, which will be “tasked with reviewing federal policies and making recommendations to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are properly factored in disaster planning”, according to Disability Scoop. The bill language is available here for those wanting to read more on the committee.

As shared by the White House:

“On Monday, June 24, 2019, the President signed into law:

S. 1379, the “Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019,” which reauthorizes and modifies programs related to public health emergency preparedness and response.”