Booker, King, Hassan, Budd, Wicker, Scott Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Wastewater Testing Systems for Public Health Emergency Preparedness

WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Scott (R-SC), Angus King (I-ME), Ted Budd (R-NC), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) reintroduced the Public Health Response and Emergency Detection through Integrated Wastewater Community Testing (PREDICT) Act, legislation aimed at strengthening and expanding the nation's wastewater monitoring network and improving the early detection of infectious diseases.

Wastewater surveillance analyzes sewage to detect viruses and bacteria circulating in a community. Individuals infected with diseases such as measles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza A can shed viral or bacterial material through everyday activities, even if they do not show symptoms. Monitoring wastewater helps public health officials identify potential outbreaks earlier and respond more quickly to protect communities.

"As we've seen in recent years, the threat of infectious disease and public health crises remains an ongoing challenge that requires a well-prepared public health system. Wastewater surveillance systems are vital tools that help warn communities early," said Senator Booker. "I'm proud to lead the charge and work across the aisle to reintroduce this legislation so we can continue protecting our communities from the spread of disease and ensure public health officials have the tools they need to detect threats early and keep people safe."

"Improving our ability to track the spread of infectious diseases through our wastewater systems is becoming increasingly important for not only the health and the safety of American families, but also our national security. I am proud to join Senators Booker and Scott in introducing this critical legislation to strengthen our nation's readiness and increase public transparency to help prevent serious public health emergencies," said Senator Budd.

"Wastewater often provides early warning signs that infectious diseases could be spreading through our communities. Early detection tools are the first line of defense for families and public health officials. We must keep these monitoring capabilities up-to-date. This legislation would improve current methods to track the spread of infectious diseases and put better measures in place to prepare for public health emergencies," said Senator Wicker.

"Wastewater monitoring provides communities with an early warning when infectious diseases are spreading," said Senator Scott. "As South Carolina continues responding to the measles outbreak, it's clear that early detection tools are critical to protecting families and helping public health officials respond quickly to emerging threats. The PREDICT Act builds on proven methods to track infectious diseases, improve transparency, and ensure our nation is better prepared for future public health emergencies."

The PREDICT Act would:

1. Direct the CDC to award grants to state, tribal, and local health departments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and public-private partnerships to establish, maintain, or improve wastewater surveillance activities..
2. Support advanced testing capabilities so laboratories can detect new pathogens quickly and simultaneously track multiple infectious diseases using consistent testing methods.
3. Improve coverage and transparency: Ensure nationwide geographic representation and create a timely, accessible data dashboard for state and local public health officials.
4. Promote innovation and flexibility by directing the CDC to issue guidance supporting new technologies and adaptable surveillance systems.
5. Require a national strategic plan outlining how the CDC will strengthen wastewater monitoring nationwide and maintain an early-warning system capable of detecting emerging health threats.