Federal Efforts to Address the Threat of Bioterrorism: Selected Issues for Congress
Abstract
Recent reports by congressional commissions, the inclusion of bioterrorism issues in President Obama's State of the Union address, and issuance of executive orders have increased congressional attention to the threat of bioterrorism. Federal efforts to combat the threat of bioterrorism predate the anthrax attacks of 2001, but they have significantly increased since then. The U.S. Government has developed these efforts as part of and in parallel with other defenses against conventional terrorism. Several strategy and planning documents direct the Federal Government's biodefense efforts, and many different agencies have a role. These agencies have implemented numerous disparate actions and programs in their statutory areas to address the threat. But despite these efforts, many experts, including congressional commissions, nongovernmental organizations, and industry representatives, have highlighted weaknesses in the Federal Government's biodefense activities. Recent reports by congressional commissions have stated that the Federal Government could significantly improve its efforts to address the bioterrorism threat. Several key questions face congressional policy makers: How sufficiently do the efforts already underway address the threat of bioterrorism?; Have the federal investments to date met the expectations of Congress or other stakeholders?; Should Congress alter, augment, or terminate these existing programs in the current environment of fiscal challenge?; and 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? This report focuses on four areas under congressional consideration deemed critical to the success of the biodefense enterprise: strategic planning; risk assessment; surveillance; and the development, procurement, and distribution of medical countermeasures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 06, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA530581
Entities
People
- Dana A. Shea
- Frank Gottron
Organizations
- Library of Congress