Urges Timely Reauthorization of Critical Preparedness and Response Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Alliance for Biosecurity applauds the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee for advancing legislation to reauthorize the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) and urges Congress to reauthorize critical preparedness and response programs before September 30.
“In the third reauthorization of PAHPA, the Alliance has repeatedly emphasized to Members of Congress the value of effective public-private partnerships in bolstering our nation’s preparedness and response capabilities. Private sector partners are vital to the development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) such as diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that lack a viable commercial market,” said Alliance for Biosecurity Secretariat and former Congressman Jack Kingston. “Timely reauthorization of PAHPA is necessary to support these critical partnerships and to protect against current and future chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.”
In recent engagement with House and Senate stakeholders, the Alliance has expressed support for new opportunities for public-private partnerships and increased transparency on biodefense strategic planning and decision-making. The Alliance has also advocated for increased federal investment in national biodefense and preparedness programs which align with expert estimates and support the development, procurement, and stockpiling of live-saving MCMs such as diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate HELP Committee advanced legislation to reauthorize PAHPA in legislative markups on July 19 and July 20, respectively. Critical PAHPA programs are set to expire on September 30, 2023.
Click here to view the Alliance’s ongoing advocacy on PAHPA reauthorization.
