October 23, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 182 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E985-E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 GLOBAL WILDLIFE TRADE BIOSECURITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 23, 2020

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction of 
the Global Wildlife Trade Biosecurity Act, a bill that would create a 
diplomatic global effort to ban the sale of live and fresh wildlife for 
human consumption. This policy, and the authorization of corresponding 
programs, would reduce risk and increase research of zoonotic diseases, 
support reduction of wildlife trafficking, and expand programs that aim 
to close wildlife markets.

[[Page E986]]

  This bill also authorizes programs to address the demand for live and 
fresh wildlife for human consumption by improving nutritional choices 
and outcomes while protecting critical wildlife areas.
  A Whole of Government approach that embraces a One Health model is 
critical to ensuring that we are much better prepared for another 
zoonotic disease like COVID-19, that we understand its risks, and that 
we can mitigate spread from animals to humans.
  My legislation would create a Global Zoonotic Disease Task Force, 
would require a multi-sectoral strategy from USA ID to reduce the 
demand for wildlife consumption through food security interventions, 
and authorizes an integrated zoonotic disease program to research, 
conduct surveillance of priority and unknown diseases, and prevent 
spillover through behavioral changes.
  I am thrilled to be joined in leading this bill with my colleague on 
the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, 
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry. I urge the House of Representatives to 
join me in passing this important legislation.

                          ____________________