House VA Panel Approves Bills
to Strengthen Infrastructure and Bioterrorism Defense
May 10, 2002 - The House
Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health May 1 approved
legislation to strengthen the infrastructure at the Veterans
Health Administration (H.R.
4514) and to increase the VA's role in homeland security
(H.R.
3253). Specifically, H.R. 4514 authorizes $285 million
for ten major medical facility construction projects. Although
the AAMC had advocated for the inclusion of research facility
construction in the bill [see Washington
Highlights, April 26], none were included in the version
passed by the Subcommittee. H.R. 3253 authorizes $100 million
over five years to establish at least four National Medical
Emergency Preparedness Centers at VA medical centers to conduct
research and develop responses for potential chemical, biological
and radiological threats. The bill was amended to include
provisions from H.R. 3254 which requires the VA and Department
of Defense to jointly develop training programs for health
professionals to detect and respond to chemical and biological
terrorism. Deborah Powell, M.D., dean of the University of
Kansas School of Medicine testified in support of these proposals
on April 10 [see Washington
Highlights, April 12]. The full House VA committee
is expected to approve these bills on May 9.
Information:
Jonathan Fishburn, Director, Research, Education and Veterans' Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
jfishburn@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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