FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2005
Contact:  Joy Fox
(401) 732-9400 
 
LANGEVIN COSPONSORS PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE ACT OF 2005

Signs letter to Secretaries of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services urging organization, communication

 
(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) announced today his support of the Pandemic Preparedness & Response Act of 2005. The legislation is a response to widespread warnings from scientists and health professionals that the United States remains dangerously under-prepared for a possible influenza pandemic.

“We are all too aware that the public health system was ill-equipped to handle the health crisis created in the aftermath of the summer hurricanes,” said Langevin, ranking member on the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Prevention of Nuclear and Biological Attack. “This legislation would make sure all bases are covered in the event of an outbreak, from increased research and vaccine production to real-time on the ground training here in Rhode Island.”

The Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act would:

  • Increase vaccine production capacity by creating a guaranteed market for seasonal flu vaccine through a federal buyback program
  • Require the procurement of antivirals to cover a minimum of 50% of the population
  • Expand research at the NIH on seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines and treatments
  • Create a Director of Pandemic Preparedness and Response within the Executive Office of the President who will be responsible for coordinating the federal interagency preparation for and response to a pandemic
  • Expand and coordinate state and local preparedness activities

    • This week Langevin also co-signed a letter with House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt urging advance preparation and communication in the event of flu outbreak.

    “It is imperative that the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services determine a concise chain of command and set clear communication protocols. We have the benefit of advance warning that we could be facing a pandemic, and we must take advantage of whatever time we have to plan our response,” continued Langevin. “The departments need to start working together and working with Congress to ensure the public health system is adequately prepared to deal with the consequences of the flu.”

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