108th Congress

Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act

P.L. 108-75 (H.R. 342 and S. 1015)

Impact of Public Law

P.L. 108-75, the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health Act, authorizes grants through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for mosquito control programs to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. P.L. 108-75 also requires the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to conduct or support research on methods of controlling the population of insects and vermin that transmit dangerous diseases to humans.

Legislative History

West Nile virus, a disease spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, was first discovered in the United States in New York in 1999. Before then, the virus was common in Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In summer 2002, West Nile virus spread to more than 40 States. While most people who are infected either have no symptoms or mild ones, the virus can be fatal. In the United States, it has led to the deaths of 277 individuals.

H.R. 342 was introduced on January 27, 2003, by Representative Chris John (D-LA) and was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill was reported out of Committee by a voice vote on January 29. On March 12, H.R. 342 was passed by the House by a vote of 416 to 9. On March 13, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).

S. 1015 was introduced on May 7, 2003, by Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) and was referred to the Senate HELP Committee. On May 14, the Senate HELP Committee reported out the measure by unanimous consent. On June 16, the Senate passed S. 1015 by unanimous consent. The House passed the Senate version of the bill by unanimous consent on July 25. The measure was signed by the President as P.L. 108-75 on August 15.