The legislation, which has already passed the House of Representatives, is now on its way to the President's desk for his signature. It provides $80 million for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service facility in Ames. Grassley said this funding will go a long way in helping protect agriculture and safeguard the food supply.
"Terrorists could have a number of biological weapons, and the public health infrastructure is vitally important to defend the safety of our citizens, livestock and food supply," Grassley said. "This bill addresses the gaps in our public health system, reduces our vulnerabilities and strengthens our front line of response against diseases and outbreaks."
Since September 11, Grassley has conducted meetings with state, and local officials in Iowa, and he has worked with federal officials in Washington about protecting the public in case of a bioterrorist threat.
"It's obvious how important communication among the various agencies is to fighting terrorist attacks on U.S. soil," Grassley said. "This collaboration is important in every area, including bioterrorism and involving law enforcement, emergency management, and the health community."
Grassley said the bill passed today points the federal government in the right direction, but additional work is necessary. "We can't let our guard down, and ignore the gaps that may inevitably come," he said. Grassley is pursuing additional federal funds for a number of bioterrorism initiatives in Iowa, including:
- $10 million to establish a National Security Program for United States Agriculture and the Food Supply (NSP-USAFS) to be located on the campus of Iowa State University. The NSP-USAFS will emphasize combating agroterrorism against animals; combating agroterrorism against plants; and, training to enhance preparedness for agroterrorism.
- $1.533 million for the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service's (CSREES) Food Safety Program to conduct critical research with Iowa State University, other land grant institutions and private sector partners to determine how food traceability systems can provide value to farmers and ranchers while addressing emerging bioterrorism concerns.
- $165 million for construction of the main laboratory at the National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. Numerous national livestock organizations, veterinary medical organizations, and others have expressed the vital need of this facility and the other modernizations at the NADC/NVSL site. Grassley said these improvements are essential to comprehensive animal health emergency management.
- $5 million for the USDA to locate and implement a strategic stockpile of antibiotics and chemicals effective in combating animal health threats. Right now, if there's no stockpile, then any response would be delayed until the chemical is made. Grassley said this could be disastrous to animal health, the live animal market, and the protein supply of the United States.