On 13 March 2013, President Barack Obama signed into law the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act (PAHPRA) of 2013. This legislation (H.R. 307) was developed to help strengthen national preparedness and response capabilities for public health emergencies, optimize state and local all-hazards preparedness, enhance the review of medical countermeasures, and accelerate advanced research and development.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr307/text