RSS
Three members of the House of Representatives this week submitted legislation intended to aid local emergency agencies in their preparations for a WMD attack (see GSN, Aug. 25, 2008).
The legislation would provide financing for the Metropolitan Medical Response System, which supports efforts by 124 municipalities in 43 states to "enhance emergency planning, communication, training, equipment and stockpile pharmaceuticals," according to a press release.
The system is designed to ensure an integrated response by law enforcement, emergency management and other response agencies to a major crisis. It was created following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the sarin gas attack that year on the Tokyo subway system.
The bill is sponsored by Representatives Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.) and Jim Moran (D-Va.).
“First responders and medical personnel are our first line of defense in the event of the unthinkable,” Markey said in the release. “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" (U.S. Representative Edward Markey release, Feb. 3).