Bipartisan FAST PASS Bill Headed To House Floor
H.R. 6140 Would Expedite Medical Supplies, Critical Cargo Through U.S. Ports
March 20, 2024 – The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) today applauded committee approval of H.R. 6140, the Facilitate Access to Swiftly Transport Goods during a Publicly Announced State of Emergency Situation (FAST PASS) Act. The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved H.R. 6140 by a voice vote.
The bipartisan bill, introduced by Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS) and John Garamendi (D-CA), directs the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a study to examine efforts to expedite the movement of critical cargo across all modes of transportation during emergencies.
“HIDA commends Congress for acting in a bipartisan fashion to streamline the medical supply chain,” said HIDA President and CEO Matthew J. Rowan. “This legislation underscores our commitment to enhancing preparedness, and is crucial for bolstering resilience in times of crisis.”
“The FAST PASS Act will help our supply chains respond faster to emergencies like hurricanes and pandemics,” said Congressman Ezell. “I was proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Garamendi, and I am grateful to our colleagues on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for advancing it to the House floor.”
“Congestion and supply chain crunches at American ports for emergency supplies and other critical cargo can be a matter of life and death,” said Congressman Garamendi. “I am pleased to have co-authored the FAST PASS Act with Congressman Ezell to ensure the U.S. Department of Transportation can expedite delivery of critical cargo at our nation’s ports when American jobs and, even more importantly, lives are on the line.”
Key Provisions of H.R. 6140 Include:
- Evaluate methodologies, practices, and processes for expediting cargo during a Federal Emergency
- Require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to consult with the Department of Health and Human Services and other relevant agencies
- Examine processes to mitigate impact on the movement of other cargo that is not deemed critical during an emergency
- Include recommendations for using data from commercial and government data tracking systems to determine which cargo is critical and when it needs to be expedited
- Seek public comment so DOT can issue a report to Congress two years after enactment
- Provide DOT with the option to establish one or more voluntary pilot programs to test the effectiveness of recommended practices included in the report
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About HIDA
Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) represents the healthcare distribution network – the essential link between global healthcare supply manufacturers and local care providers. HIDA members operate more than 500+ distribution centers to bring critical products, supplies, and services to more than 560,000 healthcare settings across the U.S., including hospitals, long-term care, physician practices, home care, and laboratories. Visit HIDA.org.