Public Health and Medical Preparedness and Response: Issues in the 110th Congress

Publication Date: August 2008

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Health

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Abstract:

The nation's systems to detect and respond to public health threats such as bioterrorism gained renewed interest following the 2001 terrorist attacks. Federal authorities enacted in comprehensive public health preparedness legislation in 2002 were reauthorized in the 109th Congress, building upon lessons learned from flaws in the response to Hurricane Katrina and growing concerns about a flu pandemic. The 109th Congress also completed a statutory reorganization of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The 110th Congress is likely to study the implementation of these two laws, and to remain interested in other issues in public health and medical preparedness and response.