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H.R.5438 / 109th Congress

Public Health and Medical Emergency Coordination Act of 2006

Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 22, 2006

Public Health and Medical Emergency Coordination Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to transfer the functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the National Disaster Medical System to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (Currently, such System is directed by the Secretary of Homeland Security.) Designates HHS as the primary agency for the coordination of federal assistance to supplement state, local, and tribal resources for preparing for or responding to a bioterrorist attack or other public health or medical emergency.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6] · R–TX

Committees

  • Homeland Security Committee
  • Energy and Commerce Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Science, and Technology.

  2. Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

  3. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  4. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  6. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  7. Introduced in House

  8. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.5438 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.5438 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.5438 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.5438 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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