Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA) released the following joint statement after the House of Representatives passed S. 1379, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (PAHPAI) of 2019, earlier today:

“This critically important and long overdue legislation will help strengthen our nation’s emergency preparedness and response efforts in communities across the country. Passage of PAHPAI will ensure that we are prepared to respond to emerging and infectious disease threats as well as bioterrorism and natural disasters.

“It is for these reasons that PAHPAI was one of the first bills the House passed in the 116th Congress and we are pleased that the Senate has acted to get PAHPAI across the finish line. Our nation’s emergency preparedness and response infrastructure will be stronger and better prepared to serve our communities thanks to the passage of PAHPAI."

PAHPAI, which was originally introduced last Congress by Chairwoman Eshoo and Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN), extends and expands our emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The bill strengthens national security and equips federal agencies to respond to new and emerging threats that jeopardize public health. It reauthorizes or establishes critical programs designed to prepare for and respond to health security events, such as bioterrorism, emerging infectious diseases, and natural disasters.