[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 88 (Thursday, May 20, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC PREVENTION AND BIOSECURITY ACT

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                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2021

  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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