Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7093

Introduced

1/25/24

Refer

1/25/24

Refer

1/26/24

Caption

Public Health Emergency Accountability Act

Impact

The enactment of HB 7093 would substantially modify the existing protocols concerning public health emergencies, effectively transferring some control from the executive branch to Congress. This change aims to ensure legislative oversight over public health officials’ actions during emergencies, thereby seeking to prevent any unilateral exercise of power by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The bill adds clarity to the processes for declaring, renewing, and terminating emergencies while establishing the need for periodic reporting on the status and actions taken under such declarations.

Summary

House Bill 7093, entitled the Public Health Emergency Accountability Act, is designed to provide a structured framework for Congress to approve declarations of public health emergencies. The bill mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services must consult relevant public health officials before issuing a declaration, with a requirement to publish these declarations in the Federal Register and transmit them to Congress. In addition to defining how declarations can be initiated, the bill outlines procedures for their renewal and stipulates reporting requirements to Congress regarding the status and management of these emergencies.

Contention

Although supporters argue that this bill enhances accountability and checks the power of public health authorities, critics raise concerns about the potential for political influence over health decisions, which could delay urgent responses during public health crises. Debates have emerged around how quickly Congress could react in a fast-evolving emergency, with some fearing that the legislative process could hinder timely health interventions. This tension between legislative oversight and the need for swift action in health emergencies is at the core of the discussions regarding HB 7093.

Latest HB7093 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

US HB5431

Space SSA Transition Act of 2023 Space Safety and Situational Awareness Transition Act of 2023

US HB6305

Terminate CDC Overreach Act

US HJR96

Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2023

US SB5242

Saving Privacy Act

US SB55

Read the Bills ActThis bill establishes requirements for bills and resolutions to be introduced or considered by the Senate or the House of Representatives.First, the bill requires any bill or resolution to cite the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact all provisions in the proposed measure. Without this information, the measure may not be accepted by the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate or submitted for a final vote. Each measure must also set forth the current law such measure is amending and show the proposed modifications to the law (except where a complete section of law is stricken). Further, a vote on final passage of such measure may not occur unless (1) the full text of the measure is published at least seven days before the vote, (2) public notice of the calendar week during which the vote is scheduled to take place is posted at least six days before the Monday of such week, and (3) the full text of the measure is read verbatim to the assembled body in each chamber. Members must affirm in writing that they read the measure in full or were present throughout the reading before voting in favor of passing the measure (i.e., such requirements do not apply for a member who votes against passage).The bill also authorizes a person aggrieved by a violation of the bill's provisions to sue for appropriate relief (such as an injunction against enacting the measure).