35 F
Washington D.C.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Former Congressman Fred Upton Joins the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense

In addition to writing Threat of Bioterrorism in America, former Congressman Upton also played a major role in the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act.

The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense is pleased to welcome former Michigan Republican Congressman Fred Upton as a new Commissioner. Congressman Upton served his Michigan constituents since 1986, choosing not to seek reelection in 2022. He fills the vacancy created by the departure of Ken Wainstein who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June 2022 to serve as Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security.

“We are so pleased to welcome Fred Upton to the Commission,” said Commission Co-Chair, former Senator Joe Lieberman. “Fred has literally written the book on bioterrorism preparedness and has been a strong advocate for the Commission’s recommendations within Congress. His insights will be invaluable as we work to update our National Blueprint this year.”

“I have appreciated Fred’s commitment to bipartisanship throughout his career, particularly on biodefense issues, and know he will bring that spirit of cooperation to the Commission,” said Commission Co-Chair, first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge. “While Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, he prioritized pandemic prevention and response, and I’m grateful for the expertise he will offer the Commission.”

In addition to writing Threat of Bioterrorism in America, former Congressman Upton also played a major role in the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. Signed into law in 2016, the Act is designed to help accelerate medical product development and bring new innovations and advances to patients who need them faster and more efficiently.

Widely hailed as a tremendous success, the legislation not only revolutionized how the U.S. researches and develops new cures and treatments, it also included then Vice President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Program. Upton was among the first lawmakers President Biden summoned to meet with him in the Oval Office to discuss his plan for creating a new DARPA-like agency to end cancer as we know it.

“We have learned the hard way about the real health threats to our way of life and need to leave no stone unturned as we face the future,” said former Congressman Upton. “This bipartisan effort can clearly make a difference down the road.”

Read more at the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense

Former Congressman Fred Upton Joins the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles