Frist, Kennedy To Formally Introduce $3.2B Bioterrorism Bill
Sens. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) will "formally introduce" a $3.2 billion bioterrorism authorization bill on Dec. 5, CongressDaily reports. The bill has 66 cosponsors in the Senate but is competing with other bioterrorism legislation (CongressDaily, 12/4). The Frist-Kennedy proposal includes money for drugs and vaccines and would give $1.1 billion to states, including $670 million in grants for bioterrorism preparedness. The bill also would provide $500 million to protect food supplies and crops and $120 million for the CDC to improve its medical response system and laboratories and create a national laboratory network (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 11/16). Although the Senate leadership has said that more funding for bioterrorism will be appropriated by the end of the session, CongressDaily reports that it "remains unclear" which legislation the Senate will consider (CongressDaily, 12/4). For comprehensive public health information from the CDC on anthrax and other bioterrorism issues, please visit www.bt.cdc.gov.
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