Political Quotes

“We often hear it said that life is a multiple of threes, and here we are, the third time, passing this important legislation. One hundred years ago, this country was in the midst of the worst pandemic in its history, claiming the lives of almost 700,000 Americans and killing more than 50 million people worldwide. As we discuss the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019, it is paramount that we remember the significance of the centennial anniversary of the 1918 influenza pandemic. I must also note, again, the third time the House has passed this legislation. We have clearly done our work, and it is time for the other body to do their work and send this bill to the President's desk. The creation of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response under the original legislation in 2006 has helped us to make monumental strides in preparedness, coordination, and response. Close collaboration and efforts between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and our State, local, Tribal, and territorial public health partners have been vital in making this progress. Like politics, much of public health is local and executed on the ground by our hospitals, by our health departments and our emergency responders, who are our front lines in addressing infectious diseases, disasters, and threats.…”