[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 173 (Thursday, December 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      PUBLIC HEALTH SECURITY AND BIOTERRORISM RESPONSE ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. JOHN ELIAS BALDACCI

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 11, 2001

  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, the tragic events of September 11 and the 
Anthrax scares that followed demonstrated the level of neglect under 
which our public health infrastructure has been operating. We no longer 
have the luxury of debating the ``what ifs'' in regards to 
bioterrorism. The threat remains very real. Our constituents demand 
that we take action to offer adequate domestic defense against 
bioterrorism. We must begin the process of improving and expanding our 
public health system, and can do so today with passage of this 
bipartisan legislation developed by the Committee on Energy and 
Commerce.
  There are a number of very important provisions in this bill which 
will ensure that a national stockpile of medications is maintained, our 
food and water are protected, and toxic substances are carefully 
tracked. While we continue to develop improvements to our national 
response system, we have a responsibility to provide the resources to 
our state and local health officials and facilities to improve their 
ability to respond to bioterrorism. This bill is a downpayment to the 
states and local communities. It recognizes that each of our 
communities has distinct needs and that they require not only the 
funding to improve their systems, but the flexibility to address their 
public health concerns.
  Like many of my colleagues following the terrorist attacks, I met 
with public health officials in my state. Common themes expressed 
centered on the lack of coordination and communications from federal 
officials, and the need for additional resources to expand planning and 
preparedness for future events. Enhancing the health workforce, 
laboratory and hospital bed capacities also were cited as needed 
improvements. I am happy to say that this bill begins to address these 
important issues.
  As a critical piece to strengthening our domestic defense, the Public 
Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act will enable state and 
local governments and health care facilities to immediately address the 
protection of the health and welfare of our citizens. I urge my 
colleagues to support this important legislation.s

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