Bill Clinton: “I, too, wish to add my words of gratitude for the work that has been done on this bipartisan, comprehensive bioterrorism…”

“I, too, wish to add my words of gratitude for the work that has been done on this bipartisan, comprehensive bioterrorism legislation. Under the leadership of Chairman Kennedy and Ranking Member Gregg, and Senator Frist, as well as a number of others of our colleagues, we are about to pass legislation that I think will make a significant difference in the health, safety, and preparedness of our Nation. Americans know we cannot wait for another bioterrorism incident such as the one we suffered last fall with respect to the anthrax attacks before we take action to protect ourselves. This bill contains a number of critical provisions that will improve national, State, and local preparedness. The authorization of a national stockpile of vaccines, antibiotics, and other drugs necessary in the case of an outbreak or other incident is absolutely essential. Furthermore, the emphasis on public health is long overdue, as Senator Frist so eloquently stated. This bill will invest over $1 billion in grants to our States to assure the adequate planning that is necessary to improve State and local public health system preparedness.”