Markey, Moran & Sanchez Introduce Bill To Improve Response To WMD Attacks, Disasters

Press Release

Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), along with Reps. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.), today introduced H.R. 4580, the Metropolitan Medical Response System Act, to ensure that local emergency management plans are properly integrated and coordinated in the event of a terrorist attack using a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) such as a nuclear bomb or biological weapon, natural disaster or disease outbreak.

H.R. 4580 would fund the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS), the only federal program that integrates local emergency management, law enforcement, and health and medical systems into a coordinated response to a mass casualty event. This program is uniquely suited to mobilize these multiple agencies across jurisdictions, as well as nongovernmental organizations and private enterprises, which are all critical responders during catastrophic emergencies.

"First responders and medical personnel are our first line of defense in the event of the unthinkable," said Markey. "We need to ensure that we provide them the resources needed to save lives in the aftermath of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or disease outbreak. Moreover, we must improve our emergency coordination and planning before disaster strikes, so that our police officers, fire fighters, medical personnel and other responders can act in an efficient, organized manner when every minute counts. The MMRS will help us do just that," Rep. Markey concluded.

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