Funding for SARS–COV–2 Genomic Sequencing and Surveillance

Pub. L. 117–2, title II, § 2402, Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 41, provided that:

“(a)

In General.—

In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated to the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] for fiscal year 2021 out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $1,750,000,000, to remain available until expended, to strengthen and expand activities and workforce related to genomic sequencing, analytics, and disease surveillance.

“(b)

Use of Funds.—

From amounts appropriated by subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall—

“(1)

conduct, expand, and improve activities to sequence genomes, identify mutations, and survey the circulation and transmission of viruses and other organisms, including strains of SARS–CoV–2;

“(2)

award grants or cooperative agreements to State, local, Tribal, or territorial public health departments or public health laboratories—

“(A)

to increase their capacity to sequence genomes of circulating strains of viruses and other organisms, including SARS–CoV–2;

“(B)

to identify mutations in viruses and other organisms, including SARS–CoV–2;

“(C)

to use genomic sequencing to identify outbreaks and clusters of diseases or infections, including COVID–19; and

“(D)

to develop effective disease response strategies based on genomic sequencing and surveillance data;

“(3)

enhance and expand the informatics capabilities of the public health workforce; and

“(4)

award grants for the construction, alteration, or renovation of facilities to improve genomic sequencing and surveillance capabilities at the State and local level.”