ASM Applauds the House Passage of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act
Washington, D.C. - January 9, 2019 - The American Society for Microbiology applauds passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act. We appreciate the strong and steadfast leadership of Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Ranking Member Greg Walden, and Representatives Anna Eshoo and Susan Brooks and their commitment to the bill by making it a first order of business in the 116th Congress.As we confront yet another season of influenza, we are reminded that in 1918 the influenza pandemic took the lives of almost 40 million people. The United States must be prepared to rapidly respond to declared and potential public health emergencies, including infectious disease epidemics. H.R. 269 is critical to safeguarding our nation’s ability to respond in a timely and coordinated manner to future declared and potential public health threats. We call on the Senate to move quickly on final passage.
Antimicrobial resistance is among the most consequential issues facing the world today. ASM is therefore pleased that H.R. 269 includes Section 505, a provision that promotes the continuation of the work of the Presidential Advisory Council on Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (PACCARB) by codifying the Advisory Council. Codifying PACCARB also sustains the One Health partnerships — the integration of human, animal, and environmental domains — that have been formed since the establishment of PACCARB.
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The American Society for Microbiology is the largest single life science society, composed of more than 32,000 scientists and health professionals. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.
ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.