Political Quotes

“This amendment is similar to the last one. It takes money from the NIH buildings and facilities funds, which, under authorization of law, can be transferred back from HHS' nonrecurring expense fund and transfers $100 million of that to the Strategic National Stockpile. The Strategic National Stockpile is the only program dedicated to having civilian medical countermeasures on hand to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats that may occur on U.S. soil. From what we are seeing in Israel now to the current Marburg virus outbreak in Equatorial Guinea, these threats are real and growing. Again, according to the PHEMCE multiyear budget, in fiscal year 2024, the stockpile would need $1.96 billion, almost $2 billion, to meet current stockpiling needs. Yet, in the bill is less than $1 billion. The sharp increase that they feel is necessary--again, these are the experts in these countermeasures--is largely due to needed investment in the anthrax, Ebola, and smallpox portfolios. When we underfund that stockpile, then risky decisions have to be made. A prior annual review proposed reducing anthrax vaccine and antibiotic holdings. This amendment provides funds that will help meet the goals that have been identified by these experts.…”