Saxby Chambliss: “One of today's most serious potential threats to our national security is bioterrorism. The CDC is a major and integral…”

“One of today's most serious potential threats to our national security is bioterrorism. The CDC is a major and integral part of the homeland defense because of its ability to identify, classify, and recommend courses of action in dealing with biological and chemical threats. In addition to working in asbestos-laden facilities, many highly trained scientists perform their research in facilities that lack safety features, such as sprinkler systems and adequate electrical and air flow systems, and, as a result, limits the agency's ability to recruit and retain the world-class scientists. The multiyear master plan, put together by the CDC for adding to and replacing infrastructure at its Atlanta location, has received wide bipartisan support in the House and the Senate. Addressing the deficiencies will greatly benefit all Americans. It will enhance CDC's ability to respond to emergencies as well as provide the desperately needed facilities required for day-to-day public health and research activities. Last year, we provided $250 million for upgrading out-of-date equipment and restore dilapidated facilities at CDC. The CDC needs an additional $300 million to provide the 4th year of construction funding for a new infectious disease laboratory, which will include greatly needed bio-safety level-four hot labs, construction of a new environmental toxicology lab, and greatly needed security updates.”