WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, today announced an important step forward in securing funds in the federal checkbook for a new emergency response initiative for the National Capital Region. The Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee today approved $2 million for the initiative, the Maryland/National Capital Region Emergency Preparedness Partnership, or (M/NCR-EPP), in its fiscal year 2010 Appropriations bill.

The initiative will build capacity to better coordinate the response to large-scale medical emergencies caused by biological, chemical or nuclear attacks. The partnership will include Maryland’s Prince George’s County Hospital Center (PGHC), Malcolm Grow Medical Center at Andrews Air Force Base and the University of Maryland Medical Systems. Prince George's Hospital Center will serve as the central facility for training and trauma surge capacity.

“We are a high-risk and high-threat nation, and today’s threats were unthinkable years ago,” Senator Mikulski said. “This is a partnership to deal with a compelling homeland security need. With its premier medical and academic institutions, Maryland has a critical role to play in providing a strong, coordinated response to large-scale medical emergencies in the National Capital Region. I will continue to fight for federal investments to keep Marylanders and the homeland safe.”

In the next step of the Appropriations process, the full Appropriations Committee will review the bill. Once approved, it will go to the Senate for a vote that has not yet been scheduled.