Henry Waxman: “the previous amendment was a good amendment. It provided for a one-time certification. That was important to do. The…”

“the previous amendment was a good amendment. It provided for a one-time certification. That was important to do. The only requirement is the Secretary of Health and Human Services consults with the Department of Homeland Security to certify that the bill will not pose additional risks from terrorist attacks before it goes into effect. That is worthwhile. That is why I supported that amendment. It doesn't require them to consult with the States, look at different approaches the States may be using. What we are proposing to do is to go even further in the area of protection against bioterrorist threats. My amendment allows the States to retain the authority to decide what is important in preparing for and responding to terrorism threats. If a Governor or State legislature certifies a State action in this regard, it is not going to be preempted. The States will be able to make those decisions on bioterrorism, should, God forbid, such a thing happen. As the Nation's first responders to bioterrorist attacks, State and local governments have worked to have effective programs that can respond flexibly should a nightmare occur. These State food safety officials have stated repeatedly that they are deeply concerned that H.R. 4167 will undermine the States' ability to effectively prevent and respond to bioterrorist attacks. The States learned from Hurricane Katrina that it is ill-advised to rely on Federal agencies to solve their problems when a disaster occurs.…”