BiothreatsFunding restored to National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures lab
The Fort Detrick, Maryland-based National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is no longer facing an immediate jeopardy. The federal omnibus spending bill, released last Wednesday evening, provided full funding for the biohazard laboratory – funding which the original administration’s budget proposal eliminated.
The Fort Detrick, Maryland-based National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is no longer facing an immediate jeopardy. The federal omnibus spending bill, released last Wednesday evening, provided full funding for the biohazard laboratory – funding which the original administration’s budget proposal eliminated (see “Proposed budget cuts will weaken state, local ability to handle biological, chemical attacks,” HSNW, 5 October 2017; and “U.S. not prepared to identify perpetrators of biological attacks: Expert panel,” HSNW 10 October 2017).
The Frederick News-Post reports that “The bill fully restores funding for federal laboratories the Trump administration proposed to close, including continued operational costs of $44.3 million for the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC). The Fort Detrick facility includes two high-level laboratories that handle federal select agents and toxins, including the Ebola virus, ricin and avian influenza.”
One component of NBACC is the National Bioforensic Analysis Center, the only laboratory in the country that processes evidence for the FBI in criminal investigations involving biological threats such as ricin and anthrax. Since 2004, the laboratory has processed more than 14,000 pieces of criminal evidence.
The News-Post notes that the nearly $44 million in renewed funding would allow NBACC to remain fully operational, according to communications director Brian Gaudet. The lab has been an important component of national biodefense measures since 2006, when construction began in the wake of the 2001 anthrax attacks through letters sent in the U.S. mail.
“Obviously, we’re thrilled by the omnibus [measure] and are very happy to see that funding has been restored in the House bill,” Gaudet told the News-Post. “Obviously, stability is important in any business, but especially in a laboratory, where you need to be able to attract and retain the top talent in the field.”
The funding bill outlines a change in the funding structure for the laboratories, splitting the budgetary responsibilities between the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.
The bill also restores funding for the Chemical Security Analysis Center, another Department of Homeland Security laboratory, at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
