House Clears Bill to Help Communities, First Responders, and Innovators Prepare for Public Health Emergencies, Including Flu Outbreaks and Terrorist Attacks

House Clears Bill to Help Communities, First Responders, and Innovators Prepare for Public Health Emergencies, Including Flu Outbreaks and Terrorist Attacks

The following press release was published by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on March 4, 2013. It is reproduced in full below.

WASHINGTON, DC - The House of Representatives today approved Senate amendments to the bipartisan Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013, H.R. 307, sponsored by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) by a vote of 370-28. The bill, which is now headed to the president’s desk, helps families, local communities, first responders and innovators respond to public health emergencies, including those caused by terrorist attacks, specifically requiring that the special needs of our nation’s children are taken into account. The bill also assists law enforcement, emergency management, and public health officials plan, train and prepare for emergencies.

“This legislation will save lives by improving our ability to quickly respond to a bioterror attack or pandemic outbreak. It was developed after years of careful deliberation between leaders in the House and Senate," stated Rep. Rogers. “I’m proud Congress did its job and worked together to develop a fiscally-responsible, bipartisan plan to protect Americans from a bioterror attack."

Source: House Committee on Energy and Commerce