[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 29 (Monday, July 19, 2004)]
[Page 1299]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Congressional Passage of the ``Project BioShield Act of 
2004''

July 14, 2004

    During this time of threat to the homeland, I commend Congress for 
passing the ``Project BioShield Act of 2004.'' This legislation will 
strengthen our ability to protect Americans against biological, 
chemical, nuclear, and radiological threats. It will speed the 
Government's ability to turn promising scientific discoveries into 
necessary countermeasures, provide for rapid stockpiling of critical new 
drugs and vaccines, and allow the Food and Drug Administration to make 
treatments available quickly to Americans in emergency situations. By 
bringing researchers, medical experts, and the biomedical industry 
together in new and innovative ways, we will not only help protect the 
homeland but also gain insights into other diseases. This will break new 
ground in the search for treatments and cures, while strengthening our 
overall biotechnology infrastructure. I look forward to signing this 
vital piece of legislation.

Note: The statement referred to S. 15.