House Energy and Commerce Committee Approves Rep. Lee Terry's Bill to Reauthorize Nation's Poison Control Centers

Press Release

The House Energy and Commerce Committee today held a full committee mark-up on six pieces of legislation including Rep. Lee Terry's (R-NE) H.R. 3527, The Poison Center Network Act which authorizes funding for the nation's 56 poison control centers.

"This critical legislation provides funding for our poison control centers, including the one in Omaha. It provides peace of mind and saves individuals and taxpayers from costly trips to the hospital. I will continue to work with my colleagues to see that this legislation is signed into law," said Rep. Terry.

The Poison Center Network Act passed the full committee markup unanimously. The next step would be the House Floor for a vote that would take place sometime in the coming year.

On November 18th, Representative Terry joined Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Richard Burr (R-NC) to introduce this legislation.

Congressman Terry submitted the following statement for the record at the markup:

"Thank you for bringing up for consideration my legislation, H.R. 3527, the Poison Center Network Act. I am proud of this important legislation--which reauthorizes the National Poison Center toll-free number, the Poison Center's national media campaign and the grant program from which centers receive funding.

"Currently, there are 56 poison centers -- including one in my district -- that serve our nation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These centers provide professional advice from physicians, nurses, pharmacists and toxicology specialists to people calling in with questions or concerns regarding potential exposure to harmful toxins.

"Many of us have turned to these professionals for help--and those of us who have benefitted from this free service--know the critical role these centers play as a cost-effective part of the public health continuum. In 2010 alone, over three million calls were received by these centers. The ability for people to call these centers means that they are getting instant expert information on what the next steps need to be at the critical moments right after they child, or elderly parent, or pet has ingested something that was laying around the house or underneath the sink. Often, this phone call saves the individual and taxpayers from a costly trip to the emergency room.

"This legislation makes some very minor, but needed reforms to the statute which reauthorizes the program, and doesn't contain a single penny in new spending.

"These poison centers provide a critical service to the millions of parents, caretakers, elderly adults and families that rely on their advice daily and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3527.

"I would like to thank the lead Democratic sponsor, my friend Representative Eliot Engel for his leadership. I would also like Dr. Burgess for lending his support as a co-sponsor."

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