DeLauro Statement on Swine Flu

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn. -3) issued the following statement on the swine flu outbreak.

"As we monitor the swine flu outbreak, we are reminded once again of the critical importance of a strong public health and emergency preparedness system – this weekend we learned that isolated cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) have been confirmed in the United States and Mexico. Our public health and homeland security agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Homeland Security, are doing an admirable job responding to this crisis and coordinating across government agencies and internationally. To help states respond to the outbreak the federal government has released one-quarter of the CDC's Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices. CDC has also issued important guidance to the public about how to stay healthy, which is available at https://www.pandemicflu.gov.

"The rapid response and dedication of the employees at HHS and CDC should especially be commended in light of the fact that they are working without their full leadership team in place. It is my sincere hope that Senate Republicans will cease using ideological roadblocks to prevent the confirmation of Governor Kathleen Sebelius as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services. As the swine flu outbreak makes abundantly clear, there is no time to play politics when it comes to the health and safety of our citizens."