The Global Pandemic Prevention and Biosecurity Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of the Global Pandemic Prevention and Biosecurity Act, a bill that would create a diplomatic global effort to ban the sale of live and fresh wildlife for human consumption. This policy, and the authorization of corresponding programs, would reduce risk and increase research of zoonotic diseases, support reduction of wildlife trafficking, and expand programs that aim to close wildlife markets.

This bill also authorizes programs to address the demand for live and fresh wildlife for human consumption by improving nutritional choices and outcomes while protecting critical wildlife areas.

A whole-of-government approach that embraces a One Health model is critical to ensuring that we are much better prepared for another zoonotic disease like COVID-19, that we understand its risks, and that we can mitigate spread from animals to humans.

My legislation would create a Global Zoonotic Disease Task Force. It would also require a multi-sectoral strategy from USAID to reduce the demand for wildlife consumption through food security interventions, and authorize an integrated zoonotic disease program to research and conduct surveillance of priority and unknow diseases, and to prevent spillover through behavioral changes.

I am thrilled to be joined in leading this bill with my colleague on the State and Foreign Operations House Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, and in the Senate with Senators Chris Coons and Lindsey Graham. I urge our colleagues on both sides of the chamber to help us pass this important measure.

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