House Moves to Create Project BioShield
Enhances Readiness in the Event of a Terrorist Attack

July 16, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC - Calling preparedness "critical to the success of the war on terror" Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, voted today to approve H.R. 2122, The Project BioShield Act of 2003. H.R. 2122 was approved with broad bipartisan support, 418-2.

"The anthrax attacks in 2001 showed us just how quickly a biological attack can occur," Dreier said. "We must be prepared in the event of another, more serious attack. Expanding the ability of our government to approve and distribute life-saving drugs will be critical in the event of a biological attack. We know the threats are out there. Legislation like this will help ensure we are prepared to deal with them."

Originally proposed by President Bush, Project BioShield would remove barriers to development and production of counter-bioterrorism products by providing a guaranteed source of funding for safe and effective products. It also gives the managers of the Strategic National Stockpile the ability to make long-term binding contracts for the procurement of needed bioterror countermeasures. The Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2004, already approved by the House, contained $890 million to fully fund its first year. It is projected that Project BioShield will cost $5.6 billion over ten years.

Dreier commended the continuing work of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge as he works to keep America prepared for potential terrorist attacks. He also noted that the legislation approved today would prove beneficial to first responders if they are confronted with mass casualties from a bioterrorism attack. "Our first responders will be the ones distributing these drugs if an attack actually occurs," Dreier said. "We must do all we can to ensure they have the resources they need to effectively treat large groups of people as quickly as possible. This legislation will go a long way towards that end."