The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee today held the first of two planned hearings on reauthorizing the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, currently set to expire Oct. 1. Among other provisions, PAHPA authorizes funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program, the only federal funding source that supports efforts by regional health care systems to improve preparedness and response. Testifying at the hearing, Robert Kadlec, M.D., assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services, said his priorities include “better leveraging and enhancing” existing federal programs, such as the HPP and National Disaster Medical System, to “create a more coherent, comprehensive and capable regional system integrated into daily care delivery.” Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) last week introduced the Hospital Preparedness Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4776), AHA-supported legislation that would authorize $515 million annually for the program through fiscal year 2023, double the current appropriation level.

Related News Articles

Chairperson's File
Public
This week brings the fourth week of the federal government shutdown as Congress has yet to pass legislation to fund the government. This shutdown is a bit…
Headline
The government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate is expected to adjourn Oct. 23 with no plans to vote this weekend. The chamber Oct…
Headline
The Senate Oct. 16 failed for a 10th time to advance the continuing resolution to extend government funding and end the ongoing shutdown. The chamber adjourned…
Chairperson's File
Public
There is a saying that is very timely for our field: A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. As we head into the final months of 2025, hospitals and health…
Headline
The federal government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate adjourned Oct. 9 after failing to pass spending legislation; senators plan…
Headline
The AHA provided a statement of record to the Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing Oct. 8 on the pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains.…