In the wake of heightened global security concerns throughout 2001, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security developed the program BioWatch, a monitoring system that tests air samples for biological agents that could be used in attacks on American citizens. 

It currently operates across over 30 major U.S. cities in cooperation between DHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Drawing on his experience as a first responder, Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) authored a bill he says will “harden our defenses against bioterrorism.” That bill advanced the House Committee on Homeland Security on Wednesday. 

“We know that with the Biden Administration’s open border policies, Americans are exposed to untold threats. We have no idea who or what is coming across our border under this administration,” Strong said.

“Cartels and terrorist organizations are exploiting these weak policies every single day. The Department of Homeland Security must do everything in its power to protect Americans from new and existing threats.” 

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BioWatch is a nationwide system of sensors designed to detect the presence of specific pathogens that might be used in a bioterrorism attack, strategically placed throughout the country. Highly-dense and critical areas are most guarded by the system. 

After unanimous passage through the Homeland Security committee, a bipartisan urgency to support the utilization of BioWatch laboratories and networks was moved forward. Strong says he wants to keep officials at the highest level aware of threats. 

“I am proud to introduce legislation to ensure the Biden Administration is better prepared to protect Americans against these threats,” Strong said.

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270