Senate Clears Bioshield Legislation
May 21, 2004 - The Senate passed the "Bioshield
Improvement and Treatment for American Act" (S.
15) May 19 by a 99-0 vote. The bill authorizes Project
Bioshield within the Department of Homeland Security, a program
designed to speed up the availability of vaccines and treatments
to combat potential bioterrorism agents. It provides $5.6
billion over 10 years, with $890 million already approved
in the FY 2004 homeland security appropriations bill [see
Washington Highlights, Sept. 26, 2003].
The bill's passage occurs more than a year after it was cleared
by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
in March 2003 [see
Washington Highlights, March 21, 2003]. It was
held up by Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Robert Byrd
(D-W.Va.), who objected to the Administration's proposal of
open-ended, mandatory funding. He struck a deal with Budget
Committee Chairman Don Nickles (R-Okla.) to ensure appropriators
would retain control over the funds. A similar plan is included
in the House-passed version of the Project Bioshield legislation
(H.R.
2122), approved on July 17 of last year.
The House is expected to pass the Senate bill after the Memorial
Day recess.
Information:
Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Government Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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