American families have the right to know that their federal government is doing everything possible to combat this potential pandemic. To evaluate the federal response, the Senate Homeland Security Committee recently held a hearing in which we heard testimony from Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Rear Admiral Anne Schuchat, from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The hearing led me to conclude that our federal officials have taken the threat seriously and are responding appropriately, although it is clear that more needs to be done to screen travelers at border crossings.
On April 26, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared the potential swine flu pandemic as a Public Health Emergency. This not only allowed for the release of federal resources to support the preparedness and response efforts, but also gave agencies greater flexibility to put rapid measures in place should the swine flu virus become a more prevalent threat. It also placed the Secretary of Homeland Security in charge of the overall federal government's response.
Unlike other crises the nation has faced, pandemic flu is a threat that has been anticipated and planned for. Secretary Napolitano and Rear Admiral Schuchat testified that our nation's ability to respond to this outbreak has grown by leaps and bounds as a result of the $7 billion that Congress has appropriated over the past several years. This funding has been used for stockpiling antiviral drugs for the treatment of more than 50 million Americans, licensing a pre-pandemic influenza vaccine, developing rapid diagnostics, and completing the sequencing of the entire genetic blueprints of 2,250 human and avian influenza viruses. This investment also established the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) at HHS, which I strongly supported. Last December, I also joined a group of my colleagues in requesting an additional $905 million increase for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund.
To exercise oversight over this funding and to examine progress in our nation's ability to respond to a pandemic flu, our Committee has held 14 hearings that have helped uncover past weaknesses in pandemic flu planning and coordination. Last year, our Committee held a hearing on the mass medical care that would be needed in the response to a pandemic flu or the detonation of a terrorist's nuclear device. The Committee also held a hearing on HHS's development and procurement of the necessary vaccines, drugs, and countermeasures for public health emergencies just like this one.
To further help address the threat, I have recommended more effective, enhanced methods to detect swine flu at the border, such as a stepped-up medical presence and the use of technology to assist Customs and Border Protection officers in indentifying contagious travelers.
Customs and Border Protection officials are monitoring and questioning travelers crossing the border about their exposure to the disease and symptoms they may be experiencing, and referring potential cases for a medical inspection by a public health official. The federal government has taken a number of other steps to prepare for the possible spread of the flu within the U.S., including the release of an initial 12 million courses of anti-viral medications from the national stockpile to treat the flu.
As the federal government, along with state and local first responders prepare for and respond to the swine flu, I would encourage you to take appropriate precautions to stay healthy. As the President has indicated, simple steps such as frequent hand washing can make a real difference. If you or someone you love shows flu symptoms, such as runny nose, muscle aches, and fever, stay home from work and keep sick children out of school. And, as always, if symptoms persist, you should consult a medical professional. We are in the midst of a public health emergency, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to contain this illness.