Full Text of the Project BioShield Act of 2003 Official Title of Legislation:HR 2122: To enhance research, development, procurement, and use of biomedical countermeasures to respond to public health threats affecting national security, and for other purposes.
Project Vote Smart's Synopsis:Vote to pass a bill that would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out Project Bioshield.
Highlights:- $5.6 billion was authorized for fiscal years 2004 to 2113, with strict limitations
- Specified only $3.4 billion to be used between fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2008
- Only $890 million of the $3.4 billion can be used in fiscal 2004
- Project Bioshield is an initiative to research and develop vaccines, medications, and other countermeasures to combat biological, chemical, nuclear, or radiological bioterrorism threats to our national security
- Allows the Secretary of HHS to allow the use of “unapproved products” in the event of an emergency
- Speeds up the process of authorization for funds for research and purchase of agents to combat bioterrorism
Bill Number: HR 2122 - 108th Congress (2003-2004)
House Passage Vote: 7/16/2003: Passed: 421 - 2 (Roll no. 373).
Senate Passage Vote: 7/17/2003: No vote taken; placed on Senate Legislative Calendar.