Katko unveils bill to reinstate DHS disaster and pandemic modeling program

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) recently introduced a bipartisan bill that would direct the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to reestablish national hazard preparedness and response exercises under a pandemic modeling program halted in 2017.

“COVID-19 has highlighted the gaps in our preparedness for a pandemic of this size and we’ve seen our nation suffer as a result,” Rep. Katko said on Monday. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation which will reinstate an important program within the Department of Homeland Security that aims to predict and prepare our government for natural disasters and public health crises.” 

Rep. Katko on Oct. 16 signed on as the original cosponsor of the bipartisan Analyzing Disaster Vulnerabilities and Applicable National Capabilities for Emergencies (ADVANCE) Act, H.R. 8622, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA).

If enacted, H.R. 8622 would reinstate a pandemic modeling program operated by the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center (NISAC), which uses it to conduct routine hazard exercises to ensure DHS preparedness and response to natural disasters and public health crises that could threaten the nation’s critical infrastructure.

The bill would require NISAC to conduct hazard exercises twice a year, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Katko’s office, and to report annually to Congress on the impact of natural disasters and public health emergencies on critical infrastructure.

“The ADVANCE Act will better protect our country, ensuring we are never left unprepared again in the face of a natural disaster or public health crisis,” said Rep. Katko.