Political Quotes

“I rise today to highlight the introduction of important bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006 and the BioShield Special Reserve Fund. I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues, Senators Harkin, Enzi, and Casey. I thank them for their efforts and leadership on this important legislation. It is clear that my colleagues share my dedication to strengthening and enhancing our Nation's ability to be prepared for and respond to all hazards that may confront us. As we introduce legislation to strengthen and improve our Nation's medical and public health preparedness and response programs, it is appropriate to reflect on the progress we have made to date, the seriousness of the threats facing our Nation, and the work that remains to be done if we are going to be prepared to respond to the full range of threats, whether naturally occurring, like an influenza pandemic, or a deliberate bioterrorism attack. During the 109th Congress, I chaired the Subcommittee on Bioterrorism and Public Health Preparedness. Building on the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina and September 11, Congress took a hard look at how we could better prepare and respond to public health and medical emergencies.…”