Senate Passes Bill to Improve Preparedness and Response for Pandemics and Bioterror Attacks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On March 7, 2012, the U.S. Senate passed by unanimous consent, S. 1855, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) Reauthorization of 2011, cosponsored by Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.  The bill, introduced by Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and cosponsored by Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), reauthorizes and enhances programs vital to our nation’s ability to prepare for and respond to medical and public health emergencies.

“I am pleased by the remarkable bipartisan effort that has led to the passage of this important legislation by the Senate.  We have made tremendous progress since PAHPA was first signed into law, but there are still gaps that need to be addressed and threats that remain very real,” said Senator Enzi.  “This legislation makes targeted improvements and enhancements to our medical and public health preparedness and response capabilities, which are critical to protecting our country from chemical, biological, radiological nuclear threats.  I look forward to the next steps as we continue to work on getting PAHPA reauthorization signed into law.”

Senators Mikulski (D-Md.), Alexander (R-Tenn.), Liebermann (I-Conn.), Collins (R-Maine), Hagan (D-N.C.), Roberts (R-Kan.), and Bennet (D-Colo.) are also cosponsors of S. 1855. 

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