We are writing to voice our opposition to the Model State Emergency Health Powers Act (MEHPA) drafted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and being sent to state legislatures with a recommendation for passage.

While protecting citizens from biological and chemical attacks is a critical function of government, any laws passed to that end must take a deliberative approach in crafting effective policy without sacrificing the rights and liberties of individuals and families.

In contrast, this bill would give public health officials and governors sweeping new authority to quarantine and vaccinate individuals. Moreover, the proposal allows government authorities to ration and commandeer drugs and other items, including firearms and private property. And yet what constitutes a real or possible "emergency" is left subject to wide interpretation, leaving the governors little or no accountability.

The bill is so alarming that even state legislators are publicly opposing it. The nation's largest bipartisan, individual membership organization of state legislators, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has published numerous concerns.

We therefore respectfully request that you direct HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson and all other officials from HHS and its divisions, to desist immediately from all efforts, plans and actions to promote and pass this bill. Further, we ask that no federal funds be used to promote or pass this bill.

Respectfully submitted,

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