HOMELAND SECURITY: New Department Could Improve Biomedical R&D Coordination but May Disrupt Dual-Purpose Efforts
Abstract
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent anthrax incidents, there has been concern about the ability of the federal government to prepare for and coordinate an effective public health response to such events, given the broad distribution of responsibility for that task at the federal level. Our earlier work found, for example, that more than 20 federal departments and agencies carry some responsibility for bioterrorism research, preparedness, and response and that these efforts are fragmented.1 The President's proposed Homeland Security Act of 2002 would bring many of the federal entities with homeland security responsibilities, including biomedical research and development, into one department. Title III of the proposed legislation would transfer responsibility for certain chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear research and development programs and activities to the new department.2 Much of the research in these areas is sponsored by or conducted at the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) National Institutes of Health (NIH). The proposal would also transfer the Laboratory Registration/Select Agent Transfer Program-which controls biological agents with the potential for use in bioterrorism-from HHS's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the new department.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 09, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA403528
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office