HR 4331
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4331
To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to preparation
for an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic, and
for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 6, 2007
Mrs. LOWEY introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee
on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture,
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case
for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of
the committee concerned
A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to preparation
for an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic, and
for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations
Act of 2008'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The Department of Health and Human Services reports that an influenza
pandemic has a greater potential to cause rapid increases in death and
illness than virtually any other natural health threat.
(2) Three pandemics occurred during the 20th century: the Spanish flu
pandemic in 1918, the Asian flu pandemic in 1957, and the Hong Kong
flu pandemic in 1968. The Spanish flu pandemic was the most severe,
causing over 500,000 deaths in the United States and more than 20,000,000
deaths worldwide.
(3) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated conservatively
that up to 207,000 Americans would die, and up to 734,000 would be hospitalized,
during the next pandemic. The costs of the pandemic, including the total
direct costs associated with medical care and indirect costs of lost
productivity and death, are estimated at between $71,000,000,000 and
$166,500,000,000. These costs do not include the economic effects of
pandemic on commerce and society.
(4) Recent studies suggest that avian influenza strains, which are endemic
in wild birds and poultry populations in some countries, are becoming
increasingly capable of causing severe disease in humans and are likely
to cause the next pandemic flu.
(5) In 2004, 8 nations--Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, China,
Cambodia, and the Republic of Korea--experienced outbreaks of avian
flu (H5N1) among poultry flocks. Cases of human infections were confirmed
in Thailand and Vietnam (including a possible human-to-human infection
in Thailand).
(6) As of December 4, 2007, 336 confirmed human cases of avian influenza
(H5N1) have been reported, 207 of which have resulted in death.
(7) On February 23, 2005, Dr. Shigeru Omi, Asia regional director of
the World Health Organization (WHO), stated with respect to the avian
flu, `We at WHO believe that the world is now in the gravest possible
danger of a pandemic.'.
(8) The best defense against influenza pandemics is a heightened global
surveillance system. In many of the nations where avian flu (H5N1) has
become endemic the early detection capabilities are severely lacking,
as is the transparency in the health systems.
(9) In addition to surveillance, pandemic preparedness requires domestic
and international coordination and cooperation to ensure an adequate
medical response, including communication and information networks,
public health measures to prevent spread, use of vaccination and antivirals,
provision of health outpatient and inpatient services, and maintenance
of core public functions.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT.
Title XXI of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-1 et seq.)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
`Subtitle 3--Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
`SEC. 2141. DEFINITION.
`For purposes of this subtitle, the term `State' shall have the meaning
given such term in section 2(f) and shall include Indian tribes and tribal
organizations (as defined in section 4(b) and 4(c) of the Indian Self-Determination
and Education Assistance Act).
`SEC. 2142. PROPOSAL FOR INTERNATIONAL FUND TO SUPPORT PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
CONTROL.
`(a) In General- The Secretary should submit to the Director of the World
Health Organization a proposal to study the feasibility of establishing
a fund, (referred to in this section as the `Pandemic Fund') to support
pandemic influenza control and relief activities conducted in countries
affected by pandemic influenza, including pandemic avian influenza.
`(b) Content of Proposal- The proposal submitted under subsection (a)
shall describe, with respect to the Pandemic Fund--
`(3) application process by which a country may apply to receive assistance
from such Fund;
`(4) factors used to make a determination regarding a submitted application,
which may include--
`(A) the gross domestic product of the applicant country;
`(B) the burden of need, as determined by human morbidity and mortality
and economic impact related to pandemic influenza and the existing
capacity and resources of the applicant country to control the spread
of the disease; and
`(C) the willingness of the country to cooperate with other countries
with respect to preventing and controlling the spread of the pandemic
influenza; and
`(5) any other information the Secretary determines necessary.
`(c) Use of Funds- Funds from any Pandemic Fund established as provided
for in this section shall be used to complement and augment ongoing bilateral
programs and activities from the United States and other donor nations.
`SEC. 2143. POLICY COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS.
`(a) In General- There is established the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Policy Coordinating Committee (referred to in this section as the `Committee').
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Committee shall be composed of--
`(B) the Secretary of Agriculture;
`(C) the Secretary of State;
`(D) the Secretary of Defense;
`(E) the Secretary of Commerce;
`(F) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
`(G) the Secretary of Transportation;
`(H) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
`(I) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
`(J) other representatives as determined appropriate by the Co-Chairs
of the Committee.
`(2) CO-CHAIRS- The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall
serve as the Co-Chairs of the Committee.
`(3) TERM- The members of the Committee shall serve for the life of
the Committee.
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Committee shall meet not less often than 2 times
per year at the call of the Co-Chairs or as determined necessary by
the President.
`(2) REPRESENTATION- A member of the Committee under subsection (b)
may designate a representative to participate in Committee meetings,
but such representative shall hold the position of at least an assistant
secretary or equivalent position.
`(d) Duties of the Committee-
`(1) PREPAREDNESS PLANS- Each member of the Committee shall submit to
the Committee a pandemic influenza preparedness plan for the agency
involved that describes--
`(A) initiatives and proposals by such member to address pandemic
influenza (including avian influenza) preparedness; and
`(B) any activities and coordination with international entities related
to such initiatives and proposals.
`(2) INTERAGENCY PLAN AND RECOMMENDATIONS-
`(i) PREPAREDNESS PLAN- Based on the preparedness plans described
under paragraph (1), and not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of the Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of
2008, the Committee shall develop an Interagency Preparedness Plan
that integrates and coordinates such preparedness plans.
`(ii) CONTENT OF PLAN- The Interagency Preparedness Plan under clause
(i) shall include a description of--
`(I) departmental or agency responsibility and accountability
for each component of such plan;
`(II) funding requirements and sources;
`(III) international collaboration and coordination efforts; and
`(IV) recommendations and a timeline for implementation of such
plan.
`(i) IN GENERAL- The Committee shall submit to the President and
Congress, and make available to the public, a report that includes
the Interagency Preparedness Plan.
`(ii) UPDATED REPORT- The Committee shall submit to the President
and Congress, and make available to the public, on a biannual basis,
an update of the report that includes a description of--
`(I) progress made toward plan implementation, as described under
clause (i); and
`(II) progress of the domestic preparedness programs under section
2144 and of the international assistance programs under section
2145.
`(C) CONSULTATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ENTITIES- In developing the preparedness
plans described under subparagraph (A) and the report under subparagraph
(B), the Committee may consult with representatives from the World
Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, and
other international bodies, as appropriate.
`SEC. 2144. DOMESTIC PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES.
`(a) Pandemic Preparedness Activities- The Secretary shall strengthen,
expand, and coordinate domestic pandemic influenza preparedness activities.
`(b) State Preparedness Plan-
`(1) IN GENERAL- As a condition of receiving funds from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention or the Health Resources and Services
Administration related to bioterrorism, a State shall--
`(A) designate an official or office as responsible for pandemic influenza
preparedness;
`(B) submit to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention a Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan described under
paragraph (2); and
`(C) have such Preparedness Plan approved in accordance with this
subsection.
`(A) IN GENERAL- The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan required
under paragraph (1) shall address--
`(i) human and animal surveillance activities, including capacity
for epidemiological analysis, isolation and subtyping of influenza
viruses year-round, including for avian influenza among domestic
poultry, and reporting of information across human and veterinary
sectors;
`(ii) methods to ensure surge capacity in hospitals, laboratories,
outpatient healthcare provider offices, medical suppliers, and communication
networks;
`(iii) assisting the recruitment and coordination of national and
State volunteer banks of healthcare professionals;
`(iv) distribution of vaccines, antivirals, and other treatments
to priority groups, and monitor effectiveness and adverse events;
`(v) networks that provide alerts and other information for healthcare
providers and organizations at the National, State, and regional
level;
`(vi) communication with the public with respect to prevention and
obtaining care during pandemic influenza;
`(vii) maintenance of core public functions, including public utilities,
refuse disposal, mortuary services, transportation, police and firefighter
services, and other critical services;
`(viii) provision of security for--
`(I) first responders and other medical personnel and volunteers;
`(II) hospitals, treatment centers, and isolation and quarantine
areas;
`(III) transport and delivery of resources, including vaccines,
medications and other supplies; and
`(IV) other persons or functions as determined appropriate by
the Secretary;
`(ix) the acquisition of necessary legal authority for pandemic
activities;
`(x) integration with existing national, State, and regional bioterrorism
preparedness activities or infrastructure;
`(xi) coordination among public and private health sectors with
respect to healthcare delivery, including mass vaccination and treatment
systems, during pandemic influenza; and
`(xii) coordination with Federal pandemic influenza preparedness
activities.
`(B) UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS- The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Plan required under paragraph (1) shall include a specific focus on
surveillance, prevention, and medical care for traditionally underserved
populations, including low-income, racial and ethnic minority, immigrant,
and uninsured populations.
`(3) APPROVAL OF STATE PLAN-
`(A) IN GENERAL- The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, in collaboration with the Secretary of Agriculture and
the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration,
shall develop criteria to rate State Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Plans required under paragraph (1) and determine the minimum rating
needed for approval.
`(B) TIMING OF APPROVAL- Not later than 180 days after a State submits
a State Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan as required under paragraph
(1), the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
shall make a determination regarding approval of such Plan.
`(4) REPORTING OF STATE PLAN- All Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plans
submitted and approved under this section shall be made available to
the public.
`(5) ASSISTANCE TO STATES- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and the Health Resources and Services Administration may provide assistance
to States in carrying out this subsection, or implementing an approved
State Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan, which may include the detail
of an officer to approved domestic pandemic sites or the purchase of
equipment and supplies.
`(6) WAIVER- The Secretary may grant a temporary waiver of 1 or more
of the requirements under this subsection.
`(c) Domestic Surveillance-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of
Agriculture, shall establish minimum thresholds for States with respect
to adequate surveillance for pandemic influenza, including possible
pandemic avian influenza.
`(2) ASSISTANCE TO STATES-
`(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary
of Agriculture, shall provide assistance to States and regions to
meet the minimum thresholds established under paragraph (1).
`(B) TYPES OF ASSISTANCE- Assistance provided to States under subparagraph
(A) may include--
`(i) the establishment or expansion of State surveillance and alert
systems, including the Sentinel Physician Surveillance System and
122 Cities Mortalities Report System;
`(ii) the provision of equipment and supplies;
`(iii) support for epidemiological analysis and investigation of
novel strains;
`(iv) the sharing of biological specimens and epidemiological and
clinical data within and across States; and
`(v) other activities determined appropriate by the Secretary.
`(3) DETAIL OF OFFICERS- The Secretary may detail officers to States
for technical assistance as needed to carry out this subsection.
`(d) Private Sector Involvement-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention and the Administrator of the Health
Resources and Services Administration, and in coordination with private
sector entities, shall integrate and coordinate public and private influenza
surveillance activities, as appropriate.
`(A) IN GENERAL- In carrying out the activities under paragraph (1),
the Secretary may establish a grant program to provide grants to eligible
entities to coordinate pandemic preparedness surveillance activities
between States and private health sector entities, including health
plans and other health systems.
`(B) ELIGIBILITY- To be eligible to receive a grant under subparagraph
(A), an entity shall--
`(i) submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing
such information as the Secretary may require; and
`(ii) be a State with a collaborative relationship with a private
health system organization or institution.
`(C) USE OF FUNDS- Funds under a grant under subparagraph (A) may
be used to--
`(i) develop and implement surveillance protocols for patients in
outpatient and hospital settings;
`(ii) establish a communication alert plan for patients for reportable
signs and symptoms that may suggest influenza;
`(iii) purchase necessary equipment and supplies;
`(iv) increase laboratory testing and networking capacity;
`(v) conduct epidemiological and other analyses; or
`(vi) report and disseminate data.
`(D) DETAIL OF OFFICERS- The Secretary may detail officers to grantees
under subparagraph (A) for technical assistance.
`(E) REQUIREMENT- As a condition of receiving a grant under subparagraph
(A), a State shall have a plan to meet minimum thresholds for State
influenza surveillance established by the Director of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention in coordination with the Secretary
of Agriculture under subsection (b).
`(e) Temporary Facility- The Secretary may establish a temporary Federal
facility or body to coordinate Federal support and assistance to States
and localities, activities across Federal agencies or departments, or
direct implementation of Federal authorities and responsibilities when
appropriate under Federal law or when State and local actions to address
the pandemic or threat of pandemic are deemed insufficient by the Secretary
or Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
`(f) Procurement of Antivirals for the Strategic National Stockpile- The
Secretary shall determine the minimum number of doses of antivirals needed
to prevent infection or treat infection during pandemic influenza, including
possible pandemic avian influenza, for health professionals (including
doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, pharmacists, veterinarians,
laboratory personnel, epidemiologists, virologists and public health practitioners),
core public utility employees, and those persons expected to be at high
risk for serious morbidity and mortality from pandemic influenza, and
take immediate steps to procure this minimum number of doses for the Strategic
National Stockpile described under section 319F-2.
`(g) Procurement of Vaccines for the Strategic National Stockpile- Subject
to development and testing of potential vaccines for pandemic influenza,
including possible pandemic avian influenza, the Secretary shall determine
the minimum number of doses of vaccines needed to prevent infection during
at least the first wave of pandemic influenza for health professionals
(including doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, pharmacists,
veterinarians, laboratory personnel, epidemiologists, virologists, and
public health practitioners), core public utility employees, and those
persons expected to be at high risk for serious morbidity and mortality
from pandemic influenza, and take immediate steps to procure this minimum
number of doses for the Strategic National Stockpile described under section
319F-2.
`SEC. 2145. INTERNATIONAL PANDEMIC INFLUENZA ASSISTANCE.
`(a) In General- The Secretary shall assist other countries in preparation
for, and response to, pandemic influenza, including possible pandemic
avian influenza.
`(b) International Surveillance-
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and in collaboration with the Secretary
of Agriculture, in consultation with the World Health Organization and
the World Organization for Animal Health, shall establish minimum standards
for surveillance capacity for all countries with respect to pandemic
influenza, including possible pandemic avian influenza.
`(2) ASSISTANCE- The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall
assist other countries to meet the standards established in paragraph
(1) through--
`(A) the detail of officers to foreign countries for the provision
of technical assistance or training;
`(B) laboratory testing, including testing of specimens for viral
isolation or subtype analysis;
`(C) epidemiological analysis and investigation of novel strains;
`(D) provision of equipment or supplies;
`(E) coordination of surveillance activities within and among countries;
`(F) the establishment and maintenance of an Internet database that
is accessible to health officials domestically and internationally,
for the purpose of reporting new cases or clusters of influenza and
under information that may help avert the pandemic spread of influenza;
and
`(G) other activities as determined necessary by the Secretary.
`(c) Increased International Medical Capacity During Pandemic Influenza-
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may provide
vaccines, antiviral medications, and supplies to foreign countries from
the Strategic National Stockpile described under section 319F-2.
`(d) Assistance to Foreign Countries- The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration may
provide assistance to foreign countries in carrying out this section,
which may include the detail of an officer to approved international pandemic
sites or the purchase of equipment and supplies.
`SEC. 2146. PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
`(a) In General- The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
in consultation with the United States Agency for International Development,
the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health,
and foreign countries, shall develop an outreach campaign with respect
to public education and awareness of influenza and influenza preparedness.
`(b) Details of Campaign- The campaign established under subsection (a)
shall--
`(1) be culturally and linguistically appropriate for domestic populations;
`(2) be adaptable for use in foreign countries;
`(3) target high-risk populations (those most likely to contract, transmit,
and die from influenza);
`(4) promote personal influenza precautionary measures and knowledge,
and the need for general vaccination, as appropriate; and
`(5) describe precautions at the State and local level that could be
implemented during pandemic influenza, including quarantine and other
measures.
`SEC. 2147. HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.
`The Secretary, directly or through contract, and in consultation with
professional health and medical societies, shall develop and disseminate
pandemic influenza training curricula--
`(1) to educate and train health professionals, including physicians,
nurses, public health practitioners, virologists and epidemiologists,
veterinarians, mental health providers, allied health professionals,
and paramedics and other first responders;
`(2) to educate and train volunteer, non-medical personnel whose assistance
may be required during a pandemic influenza outbreak; and
`(3) that address prevention, including use of quarantine and other
isolation precautions, pandemic influenza diagnosis, medical guidelines
for use of antivirals and vaccines, and professional requirements and
responsibilities, as appropriate.
`SEC. 2148. RESEARCH AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.
`The Director of the National Institutes of Health (referred to in this
section as the `Director of NIH'), in collaboration with the Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other relevant
agencies, shall expand and intensify--
`(1) human and animal research, with respect to influenza, on--
`(A) vaccine development and manufacture, including strategies to
increase immunological response;
`(B) effectiveness of inducing heterosubtypic immunity;
`(C) antivirals, including minimal dose or course of treatment and
timing to achieve prophylactic or therapeutic effect;
`(D) side effects and drug safety of vaccines and antivirals in subpopulations;
`(E) alternative routes of delivery;
`(F) more efficient methods for testing and determining virus subtype;
`(G) protective measures; and
`(H) other areas determined appropriate by the Director of NIH; and
`(2) historical research on prior pandemics to better understand pandemic
epidemiology, transmission, protective measures, high-risk groups, and
other lessons that may be applicable to future pandemics.
`SEC. 2149. RESEARCH AT THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION.
`The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration
with other relevant agencies, shall expand and intensify research, with
respect to influenza, on--
`(1) communication strategies for the public during pandemic influenza,
taking into consideration age, racial and ethnic background, health
literacy, and risk status;
`(2) changing and influencing human behavior as it relates to vaccination;
and
`(3) development and implementation of a public, non-commercial and
non-competitive broadcast system and person-to-person networks.
`SEC. 2150. INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE STUDY ON THE LEGAL, ETHICAL, AND SOCIAL
IMPLICATIONS OF PANDEMIC INFLUENZA.
`(a) In General- The Secretary shall contract with the Institute of Medicine
to--
`(1) study the legal, ethical, and social implications of, with respect
to pandemic influenza--
`(A) animal/human interchange;
`(B) global surveillance;
`(C) case contact investigations;
`(D) vaccination and medical treatment;
`(F) travel and border controls;
`(G) decreased social mixing and increased social distance;
`(H) civil confinement; and
`(I) other topics as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
`(2) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Attacking
Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2008, submit to the Secretary
a report that describes recommendations based on the study conducted
under paragraph (1).
`(b) Implementation of Recommendations- Not later than 180 days after
the submission of the report of under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary
shall address the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine regarding
the domestic and international allocation and distribution of pandemic
influenza vaccine and antivirals.
`SEC. 2151. NATIONAL PANDEMIC INFLUENZA ECONOMICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
`(a) In General- There is established the National Pandemic Influenza
Economics Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the `Committee').
`(1) IN GENERAL- The members of the Committee shall be appointed by
the Comptroller General of the United States and shall include domestic
and international experts on pandemic influenza, public health, veterinary
science, commerce, economics, finance, and international diplomacy.
`(2) CHAIR- The Comptroller General of the United States shall select
a Chair from among the members of the Committee.
`(c) Duties- The Committee shall study and make recommendations to Congress
and the Secretary on the financial and economic impact of pandemic influenza
and possible financial structures for domestic and international pandemic
response, relating to--
`(1) the development, storage and distribution of vaccines;
`(2) the storage and distribution of antiviral and other medications
and supplies;
`(3) increased surveillance activities;
`(4) provision of preventive and medical care during pandemic;
`(5) reimbursement for health providers and other core public function
employees;
`(6) reasonable compensation for farmers and other workers that bear
direct or disproportionate loss of revenue; and
`(7) other issues determined appropriate by the Chair.
`(1) IN GENERAL- Each member of the Committee who is not an officer
or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate
equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed
for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5,
United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which
such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Committee.
All members who are officers or employees of the United States shall
serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services
as officers or employees of the United States.
`(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES- A member of the Committee shall be allowed travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized
for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title
5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of
business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Committee.
`(1) IN GENERAL- The Chair of the Committee shall provide the Committee
with such professional and clerical staff, such information, and the
services of such consultants as may be necessary to assist the Committee
in carrying out the functions under this section.
`(2) DETAIL OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES-
`(A) IN GENERAL- An employee of the Federal Government may be detailed
to the Committee without reimbursement.
`(B) CIVIL SERVICE STATUS- The detail of the employee shall be without
interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
`(3) PROCUREMENT OF TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT SERVICES- The Chair of
the Committee may procure temporary and intermittent services in accordance
with section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals
that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic
pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316
of that title.'.
SEC. 4. PANDEMIC INFLUENZA AND ANIMAL HEALTH.
(a) In General- The Secretary of Agriculture shall expand and intensify
efforts to prevent pandemic influenza, including possible pandemic avian
influenza.
(b) Report- Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment this Act,
the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report that describes
the anticipated impact of pandemic influenza on the United States.
(c) Assistance- The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization,
and the World Organization for Animal Health, shall provide domestic and
international assistance with respect to pandemic influenza preparedness
to--
(1) support the eradication of infectious animal diseases and zoonosis;
(2) increase transparency in animal disease states;
(3) collect, analyze, and disseminate veterinary data;
(4) strengthen international coordination and cooperation in the control
of animal diseases; and
(5) promote the safety of world trade in animals and animal products.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary
to carry out this Act (and the amendments made by this Act) for each of
the fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
END
