CQ News: Senate Panel Advances Health Emergency Preparedness Bill
“A Senate committee on Wednesday approved a bill to reauthorize federal programs for health emergencies like large-scale disease outbreaks or major catastrophes. The Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced the bill (S. 2852) 22-1. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was the only dissenter. The House has yet to hold a hearing or markup on companion legislation…” (Siddons, 5/23).

Homeland Preparedness News: Senate HELP Committee advances Burr’s bipartisan bill to reauthorize PAHPA
“…S. 2852, introduced on May 15 by U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC), would reauthorize certain programs under the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) that are set to expire on Sept. 30. The law last was reauthorized in 2013 and is on a fast track to the president’s desk. … The bipartisan S. 2852, signed by original cosponsors Sen. [Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)] and U.S. Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate HELP Committee, and Bob Casey (D-Penn.), who also serves on the HELP Committee, includes myriad provisions aimed at improving the nation’s preparedness and response to man-made and naturally occurring threats, or chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) attacks, as well as emerging infectious diseases, potential pandemics, and antimicrobial resistance…” (Riley, 5/23).