S.999 - Public Health Improvement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Public Health Improvement Act (S.999) aims to reform the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and limit the scope of public health authorities. Key provisions include term limits for the CDC and NIH directors, restrictions on the CDC's strategic plan, and changes to the advisory committee structure. The bill also seeks to limit the scope of regulations related to communicable diseases and require congressional approval for public health emergencies.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would significantly alter the structure and authority of key public health agencies. The changes could lead to a more focused approach on communicable diseases, potentially at the expense of addressing non-communicable diseases and other public health concerns. The transfer of offices from the CDC to the NIH could also impact the coordination and effectiveness of public health initiatives.
Potential Benefits
- Increased accountability through term limits for CDC and NIH directors.
- More focused approach on communicable diseases.
- Enhanced congressional oversight of public health emergencies.
- Potentially streamlined regulatory processes related to disease control.
- Reorganization could lead to more efficient use of resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced scope of CDC's strategic plan may neglect non-communicable diseases and other public health issues.
- Transfer of offices from CDC to NIH could disrupt existing programs and create redundancies.
- Limiting the scope of regulations could hinder the ability to respond to emerging health threats.
- Congressional approval requirement for public health emergencies could delay critical responses.
- Preemption clause could undermine state and local public health efforts.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's provisions regarding public health regulations and emergency powers relate to the federal government's authority to regulate interstate commerce and provide for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. The requirement for congressional approval of public health emergencies aligns with the principle of legislative oversight. However, the preemption clause could raise concerns about federalism and the balance of power between the federal government and the states, potentially impacting the Tenth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).