Edolphus Towns: “We are all aware of the blood shortages that call our attention to the fact that the United States does not have…”

“We are all aware of the blood shortages that call our attention to the fact that the United States does not have sufficient blood supplies to meet the country's normal daily blood needs. What is more alarming, however, is that in this new age of terrorism the United States does not have sufficient blood reserves to meet the critical demand that would occur in the event of an emergency or terrorist attack. As the Homeland Security Appropriations legislation moves forward to a House-Senate conference, it is important that we recognize the need to address this pressing national security issue as well. I would ask that the Committee leadership include language in the final measure that would create a National Blood Reserve, based on the recent recommendations of the Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of Terrorism. The recommendations would strengthen our Nation's blood supply and ensure the health and welfare of our citizens.”