House Committee Unveils Bill Updating Law for Hazards, Pandemics Such as Zika

As follow-up to a story ANCOR previously shared on the Senate allowing funding for pandemics, we are now sharing an update from the House of Representatives. The pandemics both the House and Senate are considering include outbreaks such as the Zika virus – known for causing developmental disabilities in children whose mothers contracted the disease while pregnant.

According to Homeland Preparedness News:

“A comprehensive update to the nation’s soon-to-expire pandemic and all-hazards law has been unveiled in the U.S. House where Energy and Commerce Committee members have painstakingly produced a bipartisan reauthorization to bolster America’s defense against chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) attacks, natural disasters and emerging infectious diseases.

The full House Energy and Commerce Committee plans on Wednesday to mark up the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (PAHPA) of 2018, H.R.6378, introduced on July 16 by U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN), who serves on the committee and who has been instrumental in drafting this reauthorization.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), who also serves on the committee, are original cosponsors of the measure, which must gain approval from Congress to maintain funding for PAHPA programs beyond the law’s Sept. 30 expiration date.”

ANCOR will continue to keep members informed of developments in this area.