Washington, D.C. – Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA), Chair of the Homeland Security Intelligence & Terrorism Risk Assessment Subcommittee, and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), today introduced legislation to reauthorize and update the Select Agent Program -- administered by the US Health and Human Services and Agriculture Departments -- which controls the transfer of biological agents and toxins that could potentially be used for bioterrorism.  This is companion legislation to The Select Agent Program and Biosafety Improvement Act of 2008 (S.3127), introduced in the Senate by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Richard Burr (R-NC).

“The threats posed by biological terrorism are varied and chilling: deadly ricin mixed into the food supply, smallpox spores released in a subway during rush hour, or weaponized anthrax sent anonymously through the mail.  The danger is real,” said Rep. Harman.  “Without the capacity to track these deadly agents, we leave a gaping hole in our national defenses.”   

“Reauthorizing and strengthening the Select Agent program will improve research to combat dangerous agents such as small pox and anthrax, and strengthen our national security,” Rep. Rogers said.  “America continues to face the threat of bioterrorist attacks, but our biodefense innovators have made tremendous progress with countermeasures, and this legislation ensures that their research will continue.  Updated lab standards, improved training, and expanded information sharing between federal, state and local governments are key to keeping our nation safe.” 

The Harman/Rogers bill reauthorizes and updates the Select Agent Program, which expired in September 2007.  Created in the 1990s, the SAP established a system to regulate possession and transfers of hazardous materials, and – following the anthrax attacks in 2001 – was expanded to include a wider range of potentially threatening toxins. 

In addition to reauthorizing the Select Agent Program, the legislation:

• Requires the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the SAP, and recommend ways in which it can be restructured to enhance biosecurity and international scientific collaboration.
• Requires that the SAP consider newly discovered agents – such as genetically modified organisms, synthetic compounds, and other agents identified in Homeland Security risk assessments – to ensure that the list of agents is current and comprehensive.
• Encourages the sharing of information with state emergency planning officials, which is vital to ensuring that our first responders have the tools they need to prevent or respond to an attack.
• Ensures minimum biosecurity and biosafety standards for the training of workers in the laboratories that deal with the most dangerous substances.