SENSE OF CONGRESS.

SEC. 156. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of the Congress that— (1) many excellent university-based programs are already functioning and developing important biodefense products and solutions throughout the United States; (2) accelerating the crucial work done at university centers and laboratories will contribute significantly to the United States capacity to defend against any biological threat or attack; (3) maximizing the effectiveness of, and extending the mission of, established university programs would be one appropriate use of the additional resources provided for in this Act and the amendments made by this Act; and (4) the Secretary of Health and Human Services should, as appropriate, recognize the importance of existing public and private university-based research, training, public awareness, and safety related biological defense programs when the Secretary makes awards of grants and contracts in accordance with this Act and the amendments made by this Act.