H.R.2707 - Protecting American Families and Servicemembers from Anthrax Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2707, the Protecting American Families and Servicemembers from Anthrax Act, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Defense to develop a modernized 10-year strategy for ensuring sustained stockpiling of anthrax countermeasures. This includes replenishing stockpiles in the Strategic National Stockpile and those held by the Department of Defense. The bill also mandates reporting to Congress on the anthrax threat and related federal programs and initiatives.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to enhance national preparedness against anthrax threats by ensuring an adequate supply of countermeasures. This will likely involve increased coordination between federal agencies and manufacturers. The reporting requirements will also increase congressional oversight of these efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced protection for civilians, servicemembers, and their families against anthrax.
- Improved coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense.
- Increased transparency and congressional oversight of anthrax countermeasure programs.
- Potential for innovation in anthrax countermeasure development and manufacturing.
- Strengthened national security posture against bioterrorism threats.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending on anthrax countermeasures.
- Risk of over-reliance on stockpiling rather than addressing the root causes of bioterrorism threats.
- Possible negative impacts on individual liberties if countermeasures are mandated without due process.
- The classified nature of the reports may limit public awareness and debate.
- Potential for waste or inefficiency in the procurement and management of anthrax countermeasures.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). Congress has the power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8) and to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out these powers. The bill's focus on protecting the population from a biological threat falls within the scope of national defense. However, implementation must respect individual liberties and due process, particularly if countermeasures are mandated.
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).