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Congressman Gonzalez Signs onto Border Health Security Act of 2020

March 12, 2020

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) signed onto H.R. 6070, the Border Health Security Act of 2020, as an original cosponsor. This legislation, introduced by Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02), will ensure that there is continued coordination of resources, effective communication, and information sharing between the United States, Mexico, and Canada to address emerging public health crises.

"Diseases don't recognize international borders," said Congressman Gonzalez. "With the rise of the coronavirus epidemic, North American cooperation and coordination is vital to protect the people of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This bill will enhance South Texas and the entire continent's ability to prepare for, respond to, and confront emerging health threats."

"This bill strikes at the heart of how closely tied border communities truly are. As we face how to confront the coronavirus, working together is more important than ever," said Congresswoman Torres Small. "It's why I voted last week to pass emergency supplemental funding for coronavirus prevention, preparedness, and response efforts. But, the work doesn't stop there. It's why I'm grateful that fellow border member Congresswoman Vicente Gonzalez joined my latest bill will improve partnerships with Canada and Mexico to address our unique health challenges and help make sure we are all safe and healthy."

The Border Health Security Act of 2020:

  • Directs the Border Health Commission (Commission) to cooperate with the Canada-United States Pan-Border Public Health Preparedness Council (Council) and to recommend and implement initiatives that solve border health issues
  • Mandates the Commission and Council to prepare a binational strategic plan
  • Requires the Commission and Council to provide a biannual report to the Health and Human Services Secretary (HHS) and Congress on independent policy recommendations related to border health issues
  • Authorizes $10.5 million per year for border health grants that can be used for:
    • Including but not limited to: maternal and child health, primary care and preventative health, infectious disease testing, monitoring and surveillance, behavioral and mental health, substance abuse prevention and harm reduction, health conditions that have a high prevalence in the United States-Mexico or Canada border area, workforce training and development
    • Coordinating infectious disease surveillance planning and interjurisdictional risk assessments in the region with appropriate agencies in the U.S., Canada and Mexico
    • Improving laboratory capacity in order to maintain and enhance operational capacity and ability to detect potential infectious diseases

More information on the Border Health Security Act of 2020 can be found here.

Issues:Health Care