H.R. 2707: Protecting American Families and Servicemembers from Anthrax Act

This bill, titled the "Protecting American Families and Servicemembers from Anthrax Act," aims to strengthen the United States' defense against the threat of anthrax, particularly from foreign sources. It contains several key provisions:

Development of a Modernized Strategy

Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the designated government officials (referred to as "covered Secretaries") must create a comprehensive 10-year strategy focused on:

• Maintaining and replenishing a stockpile of anthrax countermeasures.
• Ensuring that these countermeasures are stored both in the Strategic National Stockpile and by the Department of Defense for the protection of civilians and military personnel.
• Encouraging collaboration with manufacturers of anthrax countermeasures to ensure their long-term sustainability.

Reporting Requirements

The covered Secretaries are required to provide a detailed report to Congress, also within 180 days, which should cover:

• The potential threat of weaponized anthrax to the U.S. and its military installations from foreign countries and terrorist organizations.
• Ongoing federal programs and activities aimed at addressing the anthrax threat, excluding some specified existing programs.
• Government initiatives to guarantee the availability of anthrax countermeasures for military dependents stationed outside the U.S.

The initial report must include the developed strategy. Following this, annual updates to the report must be submitted to Congress, which can include classified information but may also provide an unclassified summary.

Definitions and Key Terms

The bill defines several important terms:

• Anthrax countermeasure: Refers to drugs, devices, or biological products approved by the FDA that are intended to combat anthrax, including antitoxins and preventive treatments.
• Covered Secretaries: The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Defense are responsible for implementing the provisions of this bill, with support from other health and defense officials.

General Purpose

The overarching aim of the bill is to enhance national preparedness against the anthrax threat, ensuring that proper measures are in place for both civilians and military personnel. It seeks to address potential vulnerabilities while fostering collaboration with the relevant industries involved in the production of anthrax countermeasures.

Relevant Companies

• BIIB (Biogen Inc.) - Biogen may be involved in the development of treatments related to biological threats, including anthrax vaccines or therapeutic measures.
• AVLR (Avalere Health, LLC) - May play a role in health strategy implementation and advisory as it relates to federal health initiatives.
• MRNA (Moderna, Inc.) - Known for its vaccine development, Moderna might contribute to anthrax countermeasures through innovative vaccine technologies.