Utah Valley Times

Washington, Apr 16, 2024 - U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have reached out to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, emphasizing the importance of reauthorizing the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). The Act aims to enhance programs dedicated to responding to public health threats, a critical step in fortifying the country's readiness for potential emergencies.

In a joint statement, Senators Romney and Hassan stressed the significance of renewing PAHPA, particularly in light of recent public health challenges such as the human case of bird flu in the United States. The senators highlighted the necessity of strong public health responses and the critical role of legislation like PAHPA in ensuring the nation's preparedness for unforeseen health crises.

During the negotiations surrounding PAHPA last year, Senator Romney successfully included several of his public health policies in the legislation. These policies encompass initiatives such as the establishment of a real-time website at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track infectious disease spread and the reinforcement of the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) to monitor disease-causing pathogens in wastewater.

"We must reauthorize PAHPA to ensure that the United States is prepared to meet the challenges we face today and the potential public health emergencies of tomorrow," the senators stated in their letter to Senate leaders Schumer and McConnell. They emphasized the need for continuous improvement in the country's ability to identify and address evolving public health threats.

The senators also highlighted the bipartisan effort behind the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, which aims to build upon the foundation laid by PAHPA in 2006. This reauthorization legislation seeks to further enhance the nation's emergency response capacity and strengthen the readiness to combat emerging threats.

In conclusion, Senators Romney and Hassan underscored the urgency of reauthorizing PAHPA to bolster the country's resilience against public health emergencies. Their call to action resonates with the ongoing efforts to improve the nation's preparedness and response mechanisms in the face of evolving health challenges.

The full text of the senators' letter to Senate leaders Schumer and McConnell can be accessed for further details and insights.