107th Congress

Antibiotic Resistance Prevention Act of 2001

H.R. 1771

Background

Reports in the public press and statements from public health officials present evidence that certain disease-causing microorganisms are becoming resistant to antibiotics. In response to this growing concern, Representative Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced H.R. 1771, the Antibiotic Resistance Prevention Act of 2001. The bill would have provided for funding of top priority action items in the interagency Public Health Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance, to the extent that plan activities fall within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Provisions of the Legislation/Impact on NIH

H.R. 1771 would have targeted specific action items in the Plan under the categories of surveillance, prevention and control, research, and product development. The bill would have provided for funding of research activities to 1) provide the research community with genomics and other powerful technologies for use in developing new, rapid diagnostic methodologies, novel therapies, and interventions to prevent the emergence and spread of resistant disease-causing organisms, 2) identify and conduct, in consultation with academia and the private sector, relevant human clinical studies that would otherwise not be done by the private sector, 3) identify, develop, test, and evaluate new, accurate, affordable, and rapid diagnostic methods for human and veterinary uses with non-Federal partners, and 4) encourage basic and clinical research regarding the development and appropriate use of human and veterinary vaccines.

Authorized for DHHS activities would have been such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2002 through 2006; these sums would have been in addition to other funds authorized for this purpose.

Status and Outlook

H.R. 1771, which had 19 cosponsors, was introduced on May 9, 2001, and was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. On May 22, the bill was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. There was no further action on this legislation during the 107th Congress.