Since the 2001 terrorist attacks , the United States government has allocated nearly $ 50 billion to address the threat of biological weapons . U.S. funding for bioweapons-related activities focuses primarily on research for and acquisition of medicines for defense . Funding also goes toward stockpiling protective equipment , increased surveillance and detection of biological agents , and improving state and hospital preparedness . The increase in this type of funding is mainly for Project BioShield . Significant funding also goes to Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ( BARDA ) , part of HHS . Funding for activities aimed at prevention has more than doubled 2007 and is distributed to 11 federal agencies . Efforts toward cooperative international action are part of the project
2001 terrorist attacks
September 11 attacks
Project Bioshield Act