Bilirakis Works to Strengthen Public Health, Help Medical Professionals

The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health today advanced legislation to strengthen public health and improve insurance coverage for medical professionals traveling with athletic teams.

The Subcommittee voted to advance the following bills, co-sponsored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis:

* H.R. 3299, the Strengthening Public Health Emergency Response Act. "This legislation will incentivize more research, and the development of medicines and vaccines to combat the next generation of deadly diseases. This helps us better prepared for future public health emergencies. As the Zika Virus and other public health concerns continue to pose a threat, I am pleased we worked to advance this important bill."

* H.R. 921, the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act. "H.R. 921 will clarify medical liability rules for athletic trainers and medical professionals to ensure they are properly covered by their medical malpractice insurance while traveling with athletic teams. This bill helps our medical professionals, and athletes across the country by ensuring teams will still have access to their physicians when they cross state lines."

To read text of the legislation and to watch the markup, go to: https://energycommerce.house.gov/hearings-and-votes/markups/health-subcommittee-vote-hr-3299-and-hr-921.