In her three terms in Congress, Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan has already established a stellar track record of supporting global health research and development. She co-introduced the Supporting Innovative Global Health Technologies (SIGHT) Act to establish a dedicated health research program at the US Agency for International Development, as well as cosponsored other notable legislation to strengthen preparedness and response to health emergencies, including the Global Health Security and Global Pandemic Prevention and Biosecurity Acts. Additionally, she has regularly deployed her pen and her voice to rally appropriators to increase funding for global health programs that support the development of vaccines, medicines, and other tools.
As a former engineer and chemistry teacher, Representative Houlahan has embraced the promise of innovation to solve global challenges and views global health as a cornerstone of American foreign policy. “We, as Americans, stand to gain a great dealing from working with our global partners on everything from vaccine development to distribution to the study of zoonotic diseases. Diseases do not respect borders,” she has said.
As health emergencies continue to affect communities worldwide, it's important that we invest in organizations with a track record of successfully advancing global health. One great example is USAID. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan piece of legislation [the SIGHT Act] to support USAID, enabling them to advance cross-cutting research and development and respond quickly to emerging public health threats.
Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan
Congressional Champion Honoree
