Rick Larsen (D-WA)
Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 5 Democratic cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2026" aims to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to influenza threats. It establishes national goals to deliver vaccine doses faster during a pandemic and to develop a universal influenza vaccine within 10 years. The bill focuses on diversifying and strengthening the domestic vaccine supply chain to reduce reliance on foreign sources like China. It also mandates the implementation of the National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy. Additionally, the act provides for significant funding for research, stockpiles, and public health outreach.
Yes· 3 of 16
- Scored +9
Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak?
The bill significantly strengthens pandemic influenza readiness through increased stockpiles, research, and supply chain fortification.
- Scored +8
Does this put more money into scientific research?
The act authorizes significant new funding for NIH research into universal vaccines and pathogen-agnostic tools.
- Scored +7
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill includes specific outreach and accessibility improvements for older Americans and those in long-term care.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Rapid Vaccine Delivery: The bill sets a goal to have the capacity to deliver first doses of finished influenza vaccines within 12 weeks of a pandemic strain emerging (Section 3(a)(1)).
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Development of a Universal Vaccine: There is a national goal to develop a universal influenza vaccine within 10 years to improve long-term protection (Section 3(b)(1)).
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Improved Diagnostic Access: The bill supports the development of rapid, accurate, and easily accessible diagnostic tests that can be used at home or at the point of care (Section 4(b)).
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Increased Vaccine Confidence and Education: The act directs the creation of partnerships to educate the public on vaccine safety and efficacy, specifically targeting those who may be hesitant (Section 5(c)(1)).
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Improved Treatment Access: A "test-to-treat" demonstration project is authorized to expand access to influenza treatments (Section 5(f)(1)).
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Strengthened Supply Chains: By establishing public-private partnerships, the bill aims to strengthen the domestic vaccine supply chain, including the production of ingredients and distribution (Section 3(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill includes specific outreach and accessibility improvements for older Americans and those in long-term care. Would children be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes pediatric influenza prevention and expands administration pathways for children. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically includes Tribal communities in its health outreach and accessibility strategies. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes outreach and infrastructure planning to reach rural communities. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill directs efforts to ensure access to therapeutics and diagnostics for low-income individuals. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill incorporates strategies to address barriers to healthcare for individuals with disabilities. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill utilizes Department of Veterans Affairs facilities for critical influenza demonstration projects.
- Healthcare
- Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak? — The bill significantly strengthens pandemic influenza readiness through increased stockpiles, research, and supply chain fortification. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The act expands access through test-to-treat programs, improved diagnostics, and vaccine distribution strategies. Does this put more money into Medicaid, the health coverage for people on low incomes? — The bill includes mandates to ensure access to diagnostics and therapeutics for individuals covered by Medicaid.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The act authorizes significant new funding for NIH research into universal vaccines and pathogen-agnostic tools.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill establishes clear federal funding authorizations and strategic plans for national health security.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill includes federal healthcare facilities serving veterans as locations for influenza test-to-treat demonstration projects.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates regular reports to Congress regarding influenza strategy implementation and public health outreach.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill requires planning for the transportation infrastructure of diagnostic supply chains.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill provides targeted assistance and access strategies for low-income and underserved populations.
- 4/22/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Nanette BarragánDemocrat · California
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Deborah RossDemocrat · North Carolina
Melanie StansburyDemocrat · New Mexico
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan