H.R. 1717 would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a National Bio and Agro-defense Facility.
Detailed Summary
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) a National Bio and Agro-defense Facility, which shall: (1) be an integrated human, foreign-animal, and zoonotic disease research, development, testing, and evaluation facility supporting the defense against the threat of agroterrorism and certain naturally-occurring incidents related to agriculture; and (2) produce and share knowledge and technology for the purpose of reducing economic losses caused by diseases of livestock and poultry and preventing human suffering and death caused by diseases in the agricultural sector.
Includes among the Facility Director's responsibilities: (1) directing research, development, testing, and evaluation relating to such diseases; (2) developing an emergency response plan; (3) providing training in biological and agricultural research facility operations; and (4) forming cooperative relationships with the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians to connect with the network of federal and state resources to enable an integrated, rapid, and sufficient response to animal health emergencies.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) ensure that the Facility consists of state-of-the-art biocontainment laboratories capable of performing research and activities at Biosafety Levels 3 and 4; (2) enable the study of live virus of foot and mouth disease at the Facility; and (3) enter into agreements with the heads of appropriate federal departments to define their roles and responsibilities in carrying out animal disease research and development at the Facility to protect public health and animal health.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 10/3/2008: House Committee on Energy and Commerce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Jan. 3, 2009.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Grady Thrasher
NBAF on the mainland, particularly in the middle of a peaceful college town/campus is a foolish idea driven by a competitive zeal for federal dollars foster by the Department of Homeland Security. The whole project is a frightening, expensive boondoggle by DHS and its enabling politicians.