Public Health and Medical Preparedness and Response: Issues in the 111th Congress
February 25, 2009 - R40159
Key recent events the 2001 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and concerns about an influenza (flu) pandemic, among otherssharpened congressional interest in the nations systems to track and respond to public health threats. The 109th Congress passed several laws that established, reorganized, or reauthorized key public health and medical preparedness and response programs in the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS). The 110th Congress was engaged in oversight of the implementation of these laws, focused in particular on such matters as (1) the fitness of HHS and DHSin terms of authority, funding, policies, and workforceto respond to health emergencies; (2) the effectiveness of coordination among them and other federal agencies; and (3) the status of major initiatives such as pandemic flu preparedness and disaster planning for at-risk populations. The 111th Congress is likely to remain engaged in oversight of the nations readiness for health threats. The Obama Administration may reconsider homeland security objectives and priorities established by the George W. Bush Administration. Shifts in doctrine or priority, if any, may manifest as key positions are filled, or in the budget proposal for FY2010. Also, early in its first session, the 111th Congress is considering proposals in ...