Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense is now the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense

Name Change Better Reflects Urgency and Importance of Mission

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 17, 2019) - Now in its 5th year, the Blue Ribbon Study Panel on Biodefense is taking on a new name to more accurately reflect its work and the urgency of its mission. Effective immediately, the organization now will be known as the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense.

"We do not simply study the problem," said Executive Director Dr. Asha M. George. "We conduct our activities with a self-imposed mandate and the same sort of urgency that congressional commissions demonstrate. Moving forward, we will be the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense. Our leadership team and unyielding focus remain unchanged."

The organization was established in 2014 to comprehensively assess the state of U.S. biodefense, and to issue recommendations to foster change. The Commission will continue to be co-chaired by former Senator Joe Lieberman and former Governor Tom Ridge, the first Secretary of Homeland Security.

"We believe the bipartisan nature of our work is more important than ever," added Dr. George. "Biodefense is an issue that crosses all party lines and ideologies. We advocate for change, for national leadership, and for the implementation of our National Blueprint for Biodefense. We will also look 'Beyond the blueprint' to address new biological threats, vulnerabilities, and catastrophic consequences."

The new name and accompanying logo were unveiled during today's meeting of the Commission focused on cyberbio convergence. Along with the new name comes a new website: www.biodefensecommission.org. The Commission's Twitter handle is @BioCommission.

Editor's Note: Media should RSVP to either attend the event or watch a live stream by contacting [email protected]. The event will be held on July 11 from 9am to 3:30pm at 58 E. 68th Street, New York City.

About the Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense

The Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense was established in 2014 to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the state of U.S. biodefense efforts, and to issue recommendations to foster change. The Commission's 2015 report, A National Blueprint for Biodefense: Leadership and Major Reform Needed to Optimize Efforts, identified capability gaps, and recommended changes to U.S. policy and law to strengthen national biodefense while optimizing resource investments. Subsequent Commission publications have addressed critical needs for agrosecurity, biodefense budgeting, and State, Local, Tribal and Territorial support. In September 2018, the White House released the National Biodefense Strategy, a top recommendation from the Blueprint. The Commission continues to assess biodefense challenges and to urge reform. Former Senator Joe Lieberman and former Governor Tom Ridge co-chair the Commission, and are joined by former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, former Representative Jim Greenwood, former Homeland Security Advisor Ken Wainstein, and former Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Advisor Lisa Monaco. Hudson Institute is the Commission's fiscal sponsor.

Contact: Steve Aaron, SRA Communications, (717) 554-8614, [email protected]