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Accession Number:
ADA516385
Title:
Federal Efforts to Address the Threat of Bioterrorism: Selected Issues for Congress
Descriptive Note:
Congressional rept.
Corporate Author:
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Report Date:
2010-03-18
Pagination or Media Count:
17.0
Abstract:
The federal governments efforts to address the perceived threat of bioterrorism span many different agencies and are organized and directed through several strategy and planning documents. These agencies have implemented numerous disparate actions and programs in their statutory areas to address the threat. Despite these efforts, many experts, including congressional commissions, non-governmental organizations, and industry representatives, have highlighted weaknesses or flaws in the federal governments biodefense activities. Recent reports by congressional commissions have stated that the federal governments efforts to address the bioterrorism threat could be significantly improved. Key questions face congressional policymakers in these areas Are the efforts already underway sufficient to face the threat of bioterrorism Have the federal investments to date met the expectations of Congress or other stakeholders Should these existing programs be altered, augmented, or terminated in the current environment of fiscal challenge What is the appropriate federal role in response to the threat of bioterrorism, and what mechanisms are most appropriate for involving other stakeholders, including state and local jurisdictions, industry, and others Congressional oversight of bioterrorism crosses the jurisdiction of many congressional committees. As a result, such oversight is often issue-based. Because of the diversity of federal biodefense efforts, a complete view of the complete federal bioterrorism effort is beyond the scope of this report. Instead, this report focuses on four areas critical to the success of the biodefense enterprise that the 111th Congress is likely to consider strategic planning risk assessment surveillance and the development, procurement, and distribution of medical countermeasures.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
