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Pandemic prep bill makes it into omnibus, minus 9/11 commission

Caitlin Owens
Illustration of George Washington peeking out from behind a red cross.

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

The Senate's bipartisan pandemic preparedness bill will be partially included in the omnibus — minus the provision that establishes a 9/11-like commission to study COVID, congressional aides tell Axios' Caitlin Owens and Peter Sullivan.

Between the lines: That means the CDC director will become a Senate-confirmed position, beginning after the next election, one of the aides said. Rochelle Walensky isn't affected.

  • The bill, the PREVENT Pandemics Act, does not include major new funding for the COVID-19 response, and the White House's request for that funding is not expected to be included in the omnibus.
  • We'll keep you posted as we get more details on the omnibus!
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