House Subcommittee Hearing
Highlights Duplication in First Responder Bill
May 14, 2004 - The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee
on Health held a
hearing May 11 on the "Faster and Smarter Funding
for First Responders Act of 2004" (H.R.
3266), which was approved March 18 by the House Select
Committee on Homeland Security [see Washington
Highlights,
March 26]. Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Calif.), chairman of
the Homeland Security Committee, testified in support of the
bill, stating that it is designed to alleviate administrative
bottlenecks in the states that have prevented first responders
from receiving preparedness funds administered by the Department
of Homeland Security (DHS). He also noted that it revises
the funding formula so grants are awarded to states and regions
based on threat level, rather than population. Finally, he
pointed out that the bill does not duplicate activities administered
by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), rather
it enhances coordination between the departments.
Andrew Mitchell, deputy director of the Office of Domestic
Preparedness at DHS, testified in support of the bill. William
Raub, acting assistant secretary for planning and evaluation
at HHS, stated that the bill as written does appear to overlap
with mandates of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism
Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (P.L.
107-188), the bill that authorizes most of the bioterrorism
preparedness and response programs within HHS.
Specifically, Mr. Raub noted that H.R. 3266 defines first
responders as "emergency response providers," which
includes emergency medical and hospital emergency personnel.
Accordingly, there may be overlap between the purviews of
the HHS Working Group on Bioterrorism and Other Public Health
Emergencies and the proposed DHS Task Force on Essential Capabilities
for First Responders. He recommended revising the legislation
to identify the HHS Secretary as one whom the DHS Secretary
must consult when developing "essential capabilities"
for state and local first responders. Additionally, Mr. Raub
recommended that H.R. 3266 clearly define the equipment for
which DHS develops standards, so as to not include hospital
equipment.
Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.) stated his disappointment that
HHS was not consulted during the writing of the bill. Rep.
John Shimkus (R-Ariz.) reiterated this, noting that earlier
collaboration would have avoided the potential duplication
of responsibilities. Rep. Norwood challenged Mr. Mitchell's
assertion that DHS's focus stops at the emergency room door,
stating that the bill's inclusion of emergency personnel extends
its oversight to the hospital.
Subcommittee Chairman Michael Bilirakis (R-Fla.) concluded
the hearing by urging the Departments to provide the committee
with changes to address areas of overlap. The Energy and Commerce
Committee has until June 7 to mark up the bill, while the
Judiciary and Transportation committees have yet to consider
it.
Information:
Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Government Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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