(Warwick, R.I.) - Congressman Jim Langevin will preside over a field hearing on Tuesday, July 22, that is expected to explore where Rhode Island and the nation are when it comes to responding to a biological threat, including pandemic influenza.

 “Throughout my tenure on the Homeland Security Committee I have made it a point to investigate our country’s level of preparedness to handle naturally occurring and manmade biological threats,” said Langevin, Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology. “This field hearing will examine the progress and challenges in obtaining the resources and guidance necessary to prepare for and respond to contagious biological threats.  I am looking forward to hearing from a variety of federal and state agencies on how best to prepare and safeguard our communities.”

Langevin, along with other members of Congress, will hear from two panels. The first panel will include witnesses from the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Human Services. Representatives from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, Rhode Island National Guard and Lifespan will participate in the second panel.

Congressman Jim Langevin
Homeland Security Field Hearing: Emerging Biological Threats & Public Health Preparedness
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - - 10 a.m. to noon
Rhode Island State House, Room 313
Providence, RI 02903