H.R. 8610: Health Security and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act

117th Congress

To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Office of Health Security, make technical corrections to the authorization of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, establish a Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Advisory Committee, establish a departmental biodefense strategy, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Val Demings — D — FL

Permanently reauthorizes the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). CWMD leads DHS’s efforts to prevent the use of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons, and promotes readiness against such attacks by coordinating with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as the private sector. Under current law, CWMD’s authorization expires on December 21, 2023. The bill also creates an Office of Health Security (OHS) within the Office of the Secretary. The office would be responsible for all of DHS’s medical and public health activities, including food, agriculture, and veterinary defense, and workforce health and safety, transferring these functions from component units. Finally, it creates additional reporting requirements, including a Government Accountability Office review of CWMD’s efforts and effectiveness.

View the full vote history of this bill on GovTrack.us.