WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Energy and Commerce Committee Members Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) released a Request for Information (RFI) in preparation of the upcoming Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) reauthorization due by September 30, 2023.  

“Throughout COVID-19, our nation learned there are improvements to be made in our preparedness for Public Health Emergencies,” said Rep. Hudson. "As I lead the process with my colleague, Rep. Eshoo, to improve our preparedness, I am seeking feedback and suggestions on how our country can be better prepared, further equipped, more transparent, and fully accountable when taking on future emergencies. I look forward to reviewing the information submitted and continuing work on improving our nation’s response efforts.”  

“For nearly two decades, this important bipartisan legislation has helped prepare and protect our nation from natural disasters or biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear threats,” said Rep. Eshoo. “If these critical authorities lapse, our national security will be jeopardized. I’m proud to work with Rep. Hudson on a Request for Information to begin an orderly bipartisan process to continue and improve this important law.” 

Background: 

PAHPA was first signed into law in 2006, “to improve the Nation’s public health and medical preparedness and response capabilities for emergencies, whether deliberate, accidental, or natural.” This legislation authorized many of the federal government’s biodefense and pandemic preparedness programs, including the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the National Health Security Strategy, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). 

Click HERE to review the RFI.