The US House of Representatives last night approved $ 7.65 billion in new money to address the swine flu pandemic. The money will be used to purchase vaccines, antiviral drugs, and other medical needs. Congress also noted that funds are available for monitoring and to help contribute to international efforts. At least $ 350 million to be spent on "State of upgrading and local capacities."
Jeffrey Levi, health policy specialist who directs the DC-based Washington Trust for America Health commends the work of Congress. "This demonstrates a serious commitment on the part of the Administration and Congress to ramp up our capacity to respond to the H1N1 influenza pandemic," said Levi.
Although the Office of Management and Budget suggested that Congress set aside nearly $ 12 billion in emergency funds by tapping into the money allocated to the Project BioShield and the stimulus plan, Levi said that lawmakers have made the right decision not to rely on what he called a strategy "-Rob-Peter to pay Paul." "Preparing for a pandemic must not be at the expense of defending against other threats," he said.
The Obama administration has so far committed $ 1 billion to purchase vaccine against the new H1N1 virus to 20 million Americans and the new cash can allow it to buy more. "the administration now has the flexibility to leverage resources as necessary as they make decisions based on science whether to proceed to the production of vaccines, "said Levi.
the money is part of a set of additional capital of $ 106 billion, which mainly support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. the Senate is expected to vote on the bill later this week, and is expected to pass easily and then receive the signature of President Barack Obama.
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