Frank Pallone: “I'm pleased to rise in support of H.R. 6672, the Pandemic and All- Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2012.…”

“I'm pleased to rise in support of H.R. 6672, the Pandemic and All- Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2012. This bill reflects bipartisan work that has taken place between the House and Senate over the last several months to resolve differences between the House and Senate-passed PAHPA reauthorization bills. We all know very well that our Nation continues to face threats that require an ongoing commitment to public health and emergency preparedness. Just recently we experienced a devastating storm along the east coast--Hurricane Sandy--that destroyed entire communities in coastal New Jersey and New York, including areas within my district. The Federal Government's support, including through programs authorized by PAHPA, was critical in the wake of this disaster. The legislation before us today reauthorizes programs and activities first established as part of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, the 2004 Project Bioshield Act, and the 2006 Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness. In the wake of 9/11, Congress placed a high priority on biodefense. Congress first passed the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 to improve the Nation's ability to respond to acts of biological terrorism.…”