H.R. 3703 — Introduced in House

I 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 3703 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 25, 2023Mr. Latta (for himself and Ms. Kelly of Illinois) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce A BILL To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct and complete a review examining the efforts of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that the United States is prepared to rapidly produce certain medical countermeasures in the event of a public health emergency, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Helping Evaluate Appropriate Logistical Infrastructure for National Government Response Act of 2023 or the HEALING Response Act of 2023. 2. GAO review of HHS efforts to ensure rapid production of certain medical countermeasures in case of a public health emergency (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct and complete a review examining the efforts of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that the United States is prepared to rapidly produce qualified countermeasures (as defined in section 319F–1 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–6a)) in the event of a public health emergency declared under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 274d). (b) Contents The review conducted under subsection (a) shall include a review of— (1) the efforts described in such subsection, including the Secretary’s efforts to transition from the Centers for Innovation and Advanced Drug Manufacturing program to any new efforts, including the National Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Partnership and Industrial Base Expansion Connect; (2) the progress made toward the implementation of such efforts; and (3) the planning within the Department of Health and Human Services to assess risks and challenges associated with advanced development and manufacturing of qualified countermeasures. (c) Report to Congress Not later than 1 year after completing the review under subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress a report containing— (1) the results of the review; and (2) the Comptroller General’s recommendations for ensuring that the United States is prepared to rapidly produce qualified countermeasures in the event of a public health emergency.