SUPER BUGS Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7879
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-01T08:08:14Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and other relevant agencies, to develop a strategy for gaining international support to develop and commercialize products that address pandemics or epidemics, including those targeting antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. It aims to strengthen global efforts to prevent, detect, and contain infectious disease threats before they affect the United States.
Key Provisions
- Strategy Development: Within 18 months of enactment, the Secretary of State must create and submit to Congress a strategy that outlines processes for entering into arrangements with foreign countries, multilateral organizations, and other entities.
- Strategy Contents: The strategy must promote equitable contributions from partners based on their resources, focus on global priorities while allowing national flexibility, strengthen partner countries' public health systems, harmonize efforts to avoid duplication, assign responsibilities for product development, ensure stewardship of products, prioritize high-impact innovations, involve U.S. companies and public-private partnerships, and align with existing U.S. plans like the National Strategy for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria.
- Implementation: The Secretary of State must seek arrangements with foreign countries and organizations to carry out the strategy.
- Definitions: Key terms include "priority pathogens" (from CDC reports or FDA lists), "qualified pandemic or epidemic products" (as defined in the Public Health Service Act), and "appropriate committees of Congress" (specific Senate and House committees on foreign affairs and health).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new requirement for a coordinated international strategy focused on pandemic and epidemic products, including antimicrobial resistance. It does not amend existing statutes but adds mandates for executive branch action and congressional reporting, building on current authorities under laws like the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases coordination responsibilities for the Department of State, Department of Health and Human Services, and other agencies in foreign policy and health matters.
- Citizens: Enhances U.S. national security and public health preparedness by reducing risks from global outbreaks.
- International Relations: Encourages partnerships with foreign countries and organizations, potentially improving global health infrastructure while promoting U.S. leadership in medical countermeasures.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. federal agencies (State Department, Health and Human Services, and others involved in health and foreign affairs).
- Congressional committees on foreign relations, health, and commerce.
- Foreign countries and multilateral organizations participating in arrangements.
- U.S. private sector companies and public-private partnerships involved in product development.
- International public health systems in partner countries.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within standard executive authority over foreign affairs and does not raise apparent constitutional concerns. It emphasizes collaboration without mandating specific funding or regulatory changes, focusing on strategic planning and international agreements.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-09: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Saving Us from Pandemic Era Resistance by Building a Unified Global Strategy Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-09 — PDF (8 pages)