TFAH Statement on Congressional Neglect To Restore Proposed $0.5BN Cut To Critical CDC And Bioterrorism Programs In Budget Process

Main Category: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism
Article Date: 21 Mar 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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The following is a statement by Richard Hamburg, Director of Government Relations for Trust for America's Health (TFAH):

"As the Congressional budget resolution process winds down, TFAH is disheartened that no action was taken to restore the Administration's proposed Fiscal Year '06 cut of over $500 million to crucial bioterrorism and public health programs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responsible for many of the nation's most important disease prevention and health improvement programs, and its budget should reflect the vital role it plays in protecting the health and safety of every American, every day.

Today, more than ever, Americans are exposed to a growing number of health threats, from cancer to the flu to bioterrorist attacks.

This is not acceptable. Congress should make public health a priority by providing new resources, rather than cutting existing funds, to build a 21st century public health system that gives all communities a strong defense against today's health threats.

Your family and friends may be the next victims of deadly chronic or infectious diseases, or acts of bioterrorism. Only with a strong public health system, can we prevent these epidemics and protect people in the communities where they live."

Trust for America's Health is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority.

healthyamericans.org/newsroom/releases/

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