Senators Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, and John Ensign, R-Nev., unveiled legislation Tuesday that would formally establish a Chief Veterinary Officer in the Department of Homeland Security.
The legislation specifies formal qualifications and responsibilities for the Chief Veterinary Officer but does not create an additional layer of management within the department.
"I remain concerned about our nation’s ability to prepare for and respond to agricultural disasters, such as a catastrophic foreign animal disease outbreak," Akaka said. "Such an incident could have far-reaching effects, threatening our food supply and our health and harming both domestic commerce and international trade."
He added that the department must be "fully prepared to respond to such an incident. Putting a Chief Veterinary Officer in charge will help DHS address these challenges."
Meanwhile, Ensign said, "As the Senate’s only veterinarian, I understand the threat that a veterinary health crisis could pose to our national security."
"A Chief Veterinary Officer at the DHS would ensure that the agency charged with protecting our freedom here at home has the right person in place to appropriately manage such an event," he added.
Representatives Mary Jo Kilroy, D-Ohio, and Mike Rogers, R-Ala. introduced a companion bill in the House on April 2 [H.R. 5105].
Source: RTT News, April 27, 2010