U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee members continued their oversight in examining the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Laboratory Response Network (LRN) on Thursday by requesting information regarding the network’s capabilities.
The group included U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI), Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), who said that they are seeking information regarding the number of labs in the United States, their capabilities, and their readiness to address agents and toxins.
“The goal of the CDC Laboratory Response Network was to ensure that the nation has appropriate coverage and rapid detection technology and assays to quickly test suspicious materials and detect potential events suspected to be a result of bioterrorism in a timely manner to initiate immediate clinical intervention, surveillance, initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis, and other public health measures such as quarantine to save lives,” the members said. “The key to a successful response to a potential bioterrorism event relies on our ability to rapidly detect and diagnose suspected clinical cases. This task was clearly assigned to the CDC LRN for implementation and preparation of this aspect of the nation’s biodefense. As part of the committee’s overall oversight of biodefense preparedness, the committee seeks information about the current capabilities of the CDC LRN.”
The CDC has yet to issue a formal response to the letter.