May 1, 2002

The Honorable W.J. Tauzin

United States House of Representatives

2183 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Representative Tauzin:

As you work to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of the "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act" (H.R. 3448), we urge you to ensure that a coordinated state plan is managed through the Governor's office and urge you to include a long-term funding authorization that would improve the preparedness of state and local public health systems.