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Thank you, Chairman Davis and Ranking Member Waxman, for holding today’s hearing.
Given that a flu pandemic today could cause over 500,000 deaths and 2 million hospitalizations in the US alone, it is essential that our Nation be prepared to effectively respond to a flu pandemic. While I applaud the Bush Administration’s efforts to prepare for the danger of a pandemic flu outbreak, I am concerned that the President’s strategy under funds state and local preparedness efforts. The President’s plan requires states to spend $510 million to purchase anti-virals. As we all know, many states’ budgets are already strapped; where does the President expect them to get $510 million to afford such a purchase? It is imperative that Congress ensures our constituents that this is not another unfunded mandate that will later be funded on the backs of poor people.
I welcome Secretary Leavitt and thank him for graciously providing our Committee with insight into the steps being taken to stockpile enough vaccine to protect Americans against the bird flu. It is my hope that today’s hearing will also address recent reports that have indicated a possible repeat of last year’s flu vaccine shortage.
I yield back, and ask that my written statement be included in the record.
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