Biden biodefense plan seeks more research, tech to fend off outbreaks – By Jonathan Lehrfeld (Federal Times) / Oct 21, 2022
President Joe Biden’s administration released a new biodefense strategy Tuesday that it says will help the nation better protect itself against future pandemics and biological threats.
As a part of the plan, the administration is requesting $88 billion from Congress over the next five years to help fund new research and technology, accelerate testing and shorten the timeline to develop vaccines.
“The United States must be prepared for outbreaks from any source – whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate in origin,” a White House release said.
Biological threats, like COVID-19, Ebola or even bioweapons like anthrax, are considered a serious national security concern by the administration for their ability to devastate communities at home and abroad.
