Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2005 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to the Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) a proposal related to establishing a Pandemic Fund for countries affected by pandemic influenza.
Establishes the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Policy Coordinating Committee to develop an Interagency Preparedness Plan.
Requires the Secretary to strengthen, expand, and coordinate domestic pandemic influenza preparedness activities.
Requires states to have an approved state preparedness plan as a condition of receiving funds related to bioterrorism from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Requires the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC and the Administrator of HRSA, to integrate and coordinate public and private influenza surveillance activities.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) procure doses of antivirals and developed vaccines needed during pandemic influenza for the Strategic National Stockpile; and (2) assist other counties in preparation for, and response to, pandemic influenza. Allows the Secretary to provide vaccines, antiviral medications, and supplies from the Stockpile to foreign countries.
Requires the Secretary to develop and disseminate pandemic influenza training curricula for health professionals and non-medical volunteers.
Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Director of CDC to expand and intensify influenza research.
Directs the Secretary to contract with the Institute of Medicine to study topics related to the pandemic influenza.
Establishes the National Pandemic Influenza Economics Advisory Committee.
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to expand and intensify efforts to prevent pandemic influenza.
[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 969 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 969
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 SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 28, 2005
Mr. Obama introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
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 2005''.
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 April 15, 2005, 88 confirmed human cases of avian
influenza (H5N1) have been reported, 51 of which resulted in
death. Of these cases, 68 were in Vietnam, 17 in Thailand, and
3 in Cambodia.
(7) On February 21, 2005, Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that
``this is a very ominous situation for the globe ... the most
important threat we are facing right now.''.
(8) 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.''.
(9) 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.
(10) 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--
``(1) funding sources;
``(2) administration;
``(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').
``(b) Membership.--
``(1) In general.--The Committee shall be composed of--
``(A) the Secretary;
``(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.
``(c) Meetings.--
``(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.--
``(A) In general.--
``(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 Pandemic Influenza
Preparedness Act of 2005, 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.
``(B) Report.--
``(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.
``(2) Preparedness plan.--
``(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.
``(2) Grant program.--
``(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;
``(E) community hygiene;
``(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 2005,
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').
``(b) Membership.--
``(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.
``(d) Compensation.--
``(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.
``(e) Staff.--
``(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 2006 through 2010.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4581-4582)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4582-4585)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10655)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10655)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S11451-11452)
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