This bill aims to address the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance by authorizing the government to enter into contracts with drug companies to develop and maintain a supply of critical-need antimicrobial drugs. It also provides funding for efforts to encourage the appropriate use of these drugs and track data on antibiotic resistance.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to address the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance by authorizing the government to enter into contracts with drug companies to develop and maintain a supply of critical-need antimicrobial drugs. It also provides funding for efforts to encourage the appropriate use of these drugs and track data on antibiotic resistance.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions To End Upsurging Resistance Act of 2023 or the PASTEUR Act</b><strong> of </strong><b>2023</b></p> <p>This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enter into subscription contracts for critical-need antimicrobial drugs, provides $6 billion in appropriations for activities under the bill, and contains other related provisions. </p> <p>A manufacturer of a Food and Drug Administration-approved antimicrobial drug may apply to HHS to have the drug designated as a critical-need antimicrobial, and HHS may enter into a subscription contract for such a critical-need antimicrobial. The bill imposes certain requirements related to such contracts, including a mechanism to lower payments under the contract in certain instances to limit the manufacturer's revenue from the drug. </p> <p>Furthermore, HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shall award grants to support efforts to encourage the appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs and efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance. The CDC shall also track and assess data relating to antibacterial resistance and human antibiotic use and make such data publicly available.</p> <p>HHS shall also establish a Committee on Critical Need Antimicrobials. The committee shall develop a list of prioritized infections for which new antimicrobial drug development is needed, among other duties.</p> <p>Within six years of the bill's enactment, the Government Accountability Office shall report to Congress a study on the bill's effectiveness in developing priority antimicrobial drugs.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enter into subscription contracts with drug companies for critical-need antimicrobial drugs
Provides $6 billion in funding for activities under the bill, including grants to support efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance
Requires HHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track and assess data on antibacterial resistance and human antibiotic use
Establishes a Committee on Critical Need Antimicrobials to develop a list of prioritized infections for which new antimicrobial drug development is needed
Requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the bill's effectiveness in developing priority antimicrobial drugs within six years of enactment
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it would primarily impact healthcare providers, drug companies, and patients who rely on effective antimicrobial drugs. By incentivizing the development and maintenance of a supply of critical-need antimicrobial drugs, the bill aims to improve access to these important medications and help combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, which can have serious health consequences for individuals and communities.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Health
Related Subjects
Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Advisory bodies
Appropriations
Department of Health and Human Services
Drug therapy
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health information and medical records
+5 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
2940, 119th Congress (2025). "Advancing Water Reuse Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-2940
