Rep. Bilirakis Introduces Bill to Aid Local Emergency Response

"We can never be too prepared for potential emergency situations, and this program helps local and state governments ensure that our citizens are safe," said Bilirakis, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications.

The MMRS program helps jurisdictions develop response plans, conduct exercises and training, and acquire medical countermeasures and personal protective equipment for dealing with large-scale biological events.

Florida MMRS jurisdictions include Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, and Jacksonville.

H.R. 1411 would reauthorize the MMRS program through FY 2016 at current funding levels.