I voted Yes on H.R. 307, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act.

The legislation reauthorizes and modifies medical disaster and emergency response programs designed to help develop chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear medical countermeasures.  Programs reauthorized include the BioShield Special Reserve Fund, Public Health and Health System Preparedness Grants, Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority, Bio-Surveillance Program, and the National Disaster Medical System.

Additionally, H.R. 307 would refine the role of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response under the Department of Health and Human Services.  Under the measure, this Assistant Secretary would have primary responsibility for emergency preparedness, response coordination, identifying threats that and eliminating systemic inefficiencies.  The bill would also permit the Food and Drug Administration to utilize unapproved products on an emergency basis.

I support this effort to improve and extend important federal programs that help us prepare for and mitigate medical disasters and other emergencies.

The bill was approved by a vote of 395 – 29.