House reauthorizes bio-threat readiness program, other health laws

By Pete Kasperowicz - 12/19/12 03:40 PM ET

The House voted Wednesday to extend a program aimed at developing vaccines and other responses to bio-threats, along with other health-related bills, including one that could lead to Medicare coverage for home IVIG treatments.

In a 383-16 vote, members approved the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, H.R. 6672, which reauthorizes programs that help prepare for bio-threats. These programs are now carried out under the Public Health Service Act and other laws dealing with public health.

"The bill will reauthorize critically important bio-defense programs designed to promote the continued development of medical countermeasures… that would strengthen the nation's public health preparedness infrastructure," House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) said during debate.

Members also passed H.R. 1845, the Medicare IVIG Access Act. This bill would require an assessment of the benefits of having Medicare pay for home intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments.

The House easily passed that bill 401-3.

In a voice vote, the House passed S. 1440, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act, which continues a program that sponsors research aimed at preventing pre-mature births. The same bill also reauthorizes the National Pediatric Research Network, and grants to children's hospitals under the Children's Hospital Graduate Medical Education Act.

Finally, the House approved H.Res. 668, a resolution saying the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma can pursue trust-related claims in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This resolution passed 398-5.

Each of the bills voted on were brought up under suspension, and required a two-thirds vote for passage.