Press Releases

WASHINGTON - On Friday, September 16, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), will continue the House Intelligence Committee Republicans' Beyond the SCIF Series with his panel on preparedness against biological weapons at the RAND Corporation.

Beyond the SCIF is an effort by HPSCI Republicans to connect with experts and leaders in the national security field to create an open dialogue on threats facing our nation and what committee members can do to counter the malign actions of our adversaries. Previous editions of Beyond the SCIF can be found here.

Congressman Wenstrup's experience as a doctor, Iraq War veteran, and 25-year Army officer gives him a unique background to lead a discussion on current and emerging biological weapons. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed our lack of preparedness in obtaining critical personal protective equipment and life-saving pharmaceuticals. During their discussion, panelists will discuss biological threats on the horizon and how the U.S. can shore up our defenses.

WHO:

·         Congressman Brad Wenstrup

·         Congressman Mike Turner, Lead Republican of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

·         Jason Matheny, President and CEO of RAND Corporation

·         Luciana L. Borio, Senior Fellow for Global Health, Council on Foreign Relations

·         Asha M. George, Executive Director of Bipartisan Commission on Biodefense

·         Daniel M. Gerstein, Senior Policy Researcher at RAND Corporation

·         John V. Parachini, Senior International and Defense Researcher at RAND Corporation

·         Patricia A. Stapleton, Political Scientist at RAND Corporation

WHAT: Panel on preparedness against biological weapons

WHEN: Friday, September 16

1:00-2:30 p.m. ET

WHERE: RAND Corporation Headquarters

1200 South Hayes Street, Room 4204/4206

Arlington, VA 22202

RSVP link (in-person and livestream)

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