SMASH 2.0 Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 3, 2026
Bottom line
This bill reauthorizes and enhances federal support for programs combating mosquito-borne and other vector-borne diseases, including a new focus on innovative technologies and emergency stockpiling for national preparedness.
What it actually does
This bill reauthorizes the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (SMASH) program, extending federal funding for vector-borne disease surveillance and control through fiscal year 2031. It introduces a provision allowing the Secretary to consider innovative technologies in grantmaking and mandates the preparation of the Strategic National Stockpile for emergency vector control products, integrating this into the national strategy on vector-borne diseases.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this reauthorization is crucial for protecting public health by ensuring continued federal investment in surveillance, prevention, and control of vector-borne diseases. They contend that the inclusion of innovative technologies will modernize efforts, while the Strategic National Stockpile provision will enhance national preparedness for future outbreaks, which are increasingly relevant due to climate change and global travel.
Opponents contend
Potential critics might raise concerns about the overall federal spending levels, questioning the cost-effectiveness of the program or whether certain aspects, such as routine vector control, should primarily be state or local responsibilities. Some might also express caution regarding the costs and logistical challenges of maintaining a specialized federal stockpile for vector control products.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for public scrutiny and understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(4), amending Section 317S(f)(1)
Reauthorization of Appropriations for SMASH Program
This provision reauthorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 annually for the Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health (SMASH) program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This ensures continued federal funding for programs aimed at surveillance and control of mosquito-borne and other vector-borne diseases, maintaining the existing level of financial support for these critical public health initiatives.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that consistent federal funding is essential to maintain and expand critical public health infrastructure for vector control, especially as new threats emerge and existing diseases spread. This reauthorization ensures continuity for vital programs.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the reauthorization of public health programs for disease control, though some fiscal conservatives might question the overall level of federal spending.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for sustained public health funding to combat vector-borne diseases against overall federal budget constraints and competing priorities.
Section 2(2)(B), inserting new subsection (b)(3)
Consideration of Innovative Technology in Grantmaking
This amendment allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider the use of innovative and novel technology for mosquito prevention and control when making grants under the SMASH program. This encourages grant recipients to explore and implement new scientific advancements and methods in their vector control strategies, potentially leading to more effective or efficient outcomes.
Section 2(6), inserting new subsection (e)
Coordination with Strategic National Stockpile for Vector Control Products
This provision authorizes the Secretary, acting through the CDC Director and the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, to prepare the Strategic National Stockpile for an emergency supply of nonperishable vector-borne disease control products. It also mandates that a strategy for this emergency stockpiling be incorporated into the national strategy on vector-borne diseases, ensuring a coordinated federal approach to preparedness.
The bill directs the Secretary to prepare the Strategic National Stockpile for vector-borne disease control products and incorporate a strategy for this into the national strategy on vector-borne diseases. The definitions of these key terms are not provided within the bill but are referenced by section numbers of the Public Health Service Act.
Section 2(6), new subsection (e)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid redundancy and keep bills concise by referencing existing statutory definitions and frameworks rather than re-stating them within the bill itself.
Case for: Referencing existing definitions streamlines legislation, ensures consistency with established legal frameworks, and avoids potential conflicts or ambiguities that could arise from re-defining terms.
Case against: Requires readers to consult external statutes to fully understand the scope and existing mandates related to these programs, potentially making the bill less accessible to those without legal research tools.
Estimated impact: Ensures the new mandate for vector control products aligns with the established legal framework and purpose of the Strategic National Stockpile and the national strategy, integrating new preparedness efforts into existing federal structures.