Sens. Rubio, Nelson applaud committee advancement of emergency preparedness bill

U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) praised on Wednesday the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions’ (HELP) advancement of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (PAHPAIA).

The bill, S. 2852, would reauthorize various Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) programs, which are set to expire on Sept. 30.

The legislation aims to improve the United State’s preparedness and response to both man-made and naturally occurring threats, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attacks and emerging infectious diseases, potential pandemics, and antimicrobial resistance. It includes provisions to give direct hire authority to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and to protect seniors during natural disasters.

“After devastating hurricanes last year, our emergency response personnel were exhausted and stretched thin, and many seniors did not receive the care they needed,” Rubio said. “With hurricane season around the corner, the HELP committee’s passage of this bill today is a step toward ensuring that we will be able to deploy the medical response teams necessary to adequately assist Americans after future natural disasters. I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced S. 2852 on May 15. The HELP Committee approved the bill on May 22 by a vote of 22-1.

“With hurricane season right around the corner, we need to make sure that we can get enough boots on the ground to respond in the event of a natural disaster,” Nelson said. “This bill will help ensure HHS has the authority it needs to make sure Floridians can get the care they need during and after a hurricane.”

HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander (R-TN) has said he hopes to see markup action for PAHPAIA, along with other proposals, on June 20.