June 26, 2025
Mr. Crenshaw (for himself and Mr. Swalwell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the inclusion of a biological attribution strategy, and an early warning strategy and implementation plan, in the National Health Security Strategy, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Biological attribution strategy
(a) Preparedness goal
Section 2802(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–1(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(11) Biological attribution strategy
Developing a biological attribution strategy to improve Federal coordination of duties and activities related to biological attribution of biological hazards and pathogens of pandemic potential, which shall include developing a strategy in accordance with subsection (c).
(b) Details of strategy
Section 2802 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–1) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(c) Biological attribution strategy
(1) Contents
The biological attribution strategy under subsection (b)(11) shall include the following:
(A)
A description of the biological attribution duties of each appropriate Federal agency, including—
(i)
the nature of routine biological attribution activities;
(ii)
the level and type of biological events that may trigger an attribution determination by the appropriate Federal agencies regarding the source, cause, or origin of such events; and
(iii)
the Federal agency’s routine exercise of the capabilities to perform biological attribution activities.
(B)
The process by which a biological attribution determination is made by each such Federal agency, including how such process may address national security considerations.
(C)
Development of assignments, milestones, and timelines necessary to establish the strongest possible national capacity for biological attribution.
(D)
A plan for the identification, development, and implementation of new technologies, through both internal and public-private initiatives, with an emphasis on diagnostic, sequencing, and safe collection capabilities.
(2) Coordination
In developing the biological attribution strategy under subsection (b)(11), the Secretary shall coordinate with the relevant Federal agencies, including the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Sec. 2. Early warning strategy and implementation plan
(a) Preparedness goal
Section 2802(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–1(b)), as amended by section 1, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(12) Early warning strategy and implementation plan
Developing and implementing an early warning strategy and implementation plan for biological, chemical, and radiological threats, in accordance with subsection (d).
(b) Details of strategy and plan
Section 2802 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–1), as amended by section 1, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
(d) Early Warning Strategy and Implementation Plan
(1) Objectives
The objectives of the early warning strategy and implementation plan under subsection (b)(12) shall include—
(A)
development of a robust early warning function for the United States which incorporates new technologies, with an emphasis on diagnostic, sequencing, and safe collection capabilities;
(B)
identification of new biological threats at the earliest time to inform response strategies;
(C)
understanding of the prevalence of current and recurring threats;
(D)
the ability to adapt technologies to emerging chemical and radiological threats, including synthetic drugs and fentanyl;
(E)
ongoing detection from broad sources including wastewater, airports, and transportation hubs; and
(F)
the ability to rapidly deploy technologies at scale during a public health event.
(2) Coordination and eliminating duplication
(A) Consultation
In developing the early warning strategy and implementation plan under subsection (b)(12), the Secretary shall consult with—
(i)
State and local public health entities;
(ii)
private sector and academic partners; and
(iii)
Federal officials as appropriate, including—
(I)
the Assistant Secretary for Strategic Preparedness and Response; and
(II)
the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
(B) Purposes
The purposes of consultation under paragraph (1) shall be to coordinate activities, streamline Federal programs, and eliminate waste and duplication.
(C) Meetings
The Secretary, on a periodic basis as applicable and appropriate, shall meet with the Director of National Intelligence to inform the development and capabilities of the early warning strategy and implementation plan under subsection (b)(12) for foreign and cross-border threats.