Bill Bennett: “the fiscal year 2004 Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act includes appropriations for…”

“the fiscal year 2004 Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act includes appropriations for the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Review of the Food and Drug Administration to continue important vaccine and biological product research activities. Support of these research activities is essential for keeping CBER scientists and medical reviewers up-to-date and knowledgeable of the breakthrough science of vaccine and biological product research and development. Being involved in this cutting edge research better equips CBER scientists and reviewers with the best scientific-based tools for reviewing and regulating the safety and efficacy of live-saving vaccines and other biological products. During our subcommittee and Committee deliberations, many colleagues shared my concerns about the emergence of SARS, West Nile Virus, monkey pox, antibiotic resistant staphylococcal infections in hospitals, and other naturally-occurring infectious diseases in the U.S. I believe there is a need to expedite the development and licensing of new vaccines and biologicals to protect our citizens from these naturally- occurring infectious diseases.”