Included in the final bill is a provision authorizing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand its current stockpile of vaccines, medicines, and other supplies in case of a bioterrorist attack.  U.S. Representative Mike Ross (D-AR) called the measure “important for the security of American families as well as another positive step in bringing a vaccine production facility to the Pine Bluff Arsenal.”

Ross said, “In 1994, the Department of Defense named the Pine Bluff Arsenal as the best place in America to put a vaccine production facility.  Unfortunately, they instead chose to use a private company, which as of yet has been unable to deliver bioterrorism vaccines.  By authorizing over $1 billion for the federal government to acquire and maintain smallpox and other vaccines, this measure is evidence of the importance of having an adequate supply of vaccines available should they ever be needed, and it lends further credibility to the argument that a government-owned vaccine production facility be established.  Such a facility at the Pine Bluff Arsenal would bring important jobs to the Pine Bluff area and go hand-in-hand with the ongoing economic development efforts associated with the Bioplex.”

In addition to the vaccine stockpile provision, the legislation authorizes funding for grants to states, local governments, and public and private health care facilities to improve planning and preparedness activities, to educate and train health care personnel, and to develop new drugs, therapies and vaccines.  The bill provides for upgrades and improvements to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and it requires HHS to continue the development and implementation of a plan to carry out health-related activities to prepare for and respond effectively to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.  The measure also contains a number of other provisions, including resources aimed at protecting the safety and security of food supplies and drinking water systems.

“September 11th and last year’s anthrax scare taught us that we cannot discount the threat of a biological attack on American civilians, and we must do all we can, first and foremost, to prevent such an attack, and secondly, to make sure our communities and emergency response teams are prepared in the event one should occur,” said Ross.

The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness Act conference report is expected to be approved by the Senate after Memorial Day and can then head to the President’s desk for signature.