North Alabama Rep. Dale Strong scored a major legislative victory by passing his first bill, the Department of Homeland Security Liver Detection Improvements Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
It passed the House unanimously and, according to Rep. Strong (R-Monrovia), will help the United States stay one step ahead of its adversaries.of invoice Working to improve the ever-evolving environment bioterrorism.
“I am pleased that my colleagues recognized the importance of this bill and passed it unanimously,” Strong said. “Threats from America's adversaries continue to evolve and become more complex. The anthrax attacks of 2001 opened our eyes to a new threat landscape, including acts of bioterrorism.”
DHS created the BioWatch program in 2001 to monitor air samples for biological agents that could harm the American public.that Currently in operation It is being implemented in more than 30 major U.S. cities in partnership with DHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
RELATED: Preventing bioterrorism: House members push hard on bill to upgrade homeland security programs
“As a first responder myself, I know the difference that early detection can make. Guaranteed,” Strong said.
“We cannot afford to fall behind while our enemies are watching. America's security depends on it.”Â
Mr. Strong's bill would require DHS to:Â
- Utilizes the Department of Energy's national laboratories to develop new technologies related to biodefense. Â
- Develop a plan to acquire existing technology to meet the needs of DHS' living detection mission.Â
- Conduct external assessments to identify gaps and potential points of failure.Â
- Submit a report to Congress outlining a clear plan for the future of live detection. Â
Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.
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