Kuster’s bill to bolster vaccination infrastructure passes Energy & Commerce committee
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), participated in an Energy and Commerce full committee markup where she helped advance her legislation, the Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act, to improve our nation’s vaccine infrastructure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kuster, who is a founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, also voted to advance H.R. 2379, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act, bipartisan legislation to provide flexibility and reauthorize the State Opioid Response Grant program.
“COVID-19 pulled back the curtain on our vaccination systems and highlighted the urgent need for upgrades,” said Rep. Kuster. “My bipartisan Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act would expand the enrollment and training of vaccine providers, update public health information technology to efficiently manage vaccine supply, and allow patients and providers to communicate securely in real-time.”
“According to CDC data, over 93,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2020, an increase of nearly 30 percent from the 72,000 deaths in 2019,” Rep. Kuster continued. “The State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act would commit the long-term resources so states can turn the tide on the overdose crisis. I’m pleased the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced these critical bills today, and I will continue working across the aisle to build back stronger from this pandemic.”
Today the Energy and Commerce Committee advanced 24 health and cybersecurity bills, including:
The Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act: to improve and expand information-sharing between state and federal governments, as well as public and private health care providers, to ensure vaccines are being administered effectively and efficiently across all states and territories.
The State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act: to amend the 21st Century Cures Act to reauthorize and expand a grant program for State response to the opioid use disorders crisis, and for other purposes.
Founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, Rep. Kuster is working to ensure public health officials in New Hampshire have the support and resources they need to keep communities in New Hampshire and across the country safe.