The U.S. Congress this week passed and sent to the White House legislation to provide $4.6 billion to boost defenses against bioterrorism.  The Senate passed the bioterrorism bill yesterday in a 98-0 vote, following House approval Wednesday (see GSN, May 23).  President George W. Bush is expected to sign the bill into law when he returns from Europe.

The bill includes provisions to expand the U.S. stockpile of vaccines and drugs, improve food inspections and increase water systems security (see related GSN story, today).

“This bill reduces our vulnerability when it comes to threat of bioterrorism and thus reduces the likelihood of an attack,” Senator Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said (Jesse Holland, Associated Press/Yahoo.com, May 24).

Although the Senate unanimously approved the bill, some senators expressed regret the legislation does not include certain provisions.  Senator Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) had wanted to include an antitrust exemption to allow vaccine manufacturers to discuss drug supplies and future needs with U.S. government agencies.  Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) said he wished the bill had provisions related to testing drugs on children and had provided for user fees for medical equipment manufacturers (CongressDaily, May 24).

Bush said in a statement he looks forward to signing the legislation (White House release, May 23).

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