Joe Lieberman: “we are in a period of extended debate to resolve the remaining issues related to the Defense appropriations bill, so I…”

“we are in a period of extended debate to resolve the remaining issues related to the Defense appropriations bill, so I wanted to take a minute to address the serious avian flu issue that is before us. While I am concerned that we will need the full funding request the administration sought, if we approve the avian flu proposal, we will at least be advancing some $3 billion. I want to stress the importance of global wild bird surveillance systems as part of my comprehensive flu plan. I am pleased that the avian flu provisions include authorizing language and funds to set up a wild bird surveillance network as well as other essential elements of avian flu public health preparedness. If passed by Congress and signed by the President, this will assure that we have a comprehensive approach to what may become a real world threat. We do not want to have piecemeal solutions or be simplistically reactive when it comes to the public's health. The avian flu provision we have been considering today states that part of $150 million is designated to carry out global and domestic disease surveillance, which includes international surveillance to track influenza strains as a way of focusing limited resources on at- risk populations. The conferees have pointed out specifically the importance of migratory bird tracking in predicting the spread of avian influenza and encourage the CDC to ensure that this important activity is part of its surveillance activities.…”