Only 9% of Americans believe the U.S. is extremely prepared to respond to a biological threat incident.
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Americans don’t feel prepared for terrorism, nuclear threats, cyberattacks, and biological threats, according to a new survey from Defend Forgotten America (DFA). Many feel there is a bias toward large cities when it comes to protecting Americans from biological attacks.
Preparedness at home is incredibly important as the U.S. responds to threats abroad from adversaries like the Iranian regime.
Voters Concerned about Terrorism, Nuclear Threats, Cyberattacks, and Biological Threats
When it comes to threats to American national security, voters are concerned about terrorism (37% extremely concerned), nuclear weapons proliferation (35%), cyberattacks on critical infrastructure (34%), and biological threats or bioterrorism (29%).
Voters’ concern in these areas ranked above concern about Russia, pandemics and disease outbreaks, China’s military expansion, border security, and transnational gang violence.
When asked to weigh biological threat preparedness against other national security priorities, majorities say it should be treated equally to every threat tested.
America Feels Underprepared
Only 9% of Americans believe the U.S. is extremely prepared to respond to a biological threat incident. A 44% plurality deem us somewhat prepared, and nearly a third say we are not at all prepared. Meanwhile, 37% believe we are more prepared now than we were ten years ago, but the plurality opinion at 44% is that our preparedness levels are about the same.
Rural Communities Want Equal Protection
Most (61%) believe there is a bias toward large cities when it comes to protecting Americans from biological attacks, though 30% believe they are treated equally. And voters are very clear that the federal government should invest equally in both areas — 74% compared to only 19% who believe urban areas should get priority.
The Stockpile Needs an Upgrade
Only 14% are very confident that the Strategic National Stockpile is adequately stocked and maintained. Most responses lie in the middle, most likely reflecting a broad lack of knowledge about its condition. However, regardless of what they know, a nearly unanimous 88% of voters support upgrading the SNS (45% strongly).
Strong Support for More Investment
There is nearly universal support (86%) for increased federal investment in biological threat preparedness (41% strongly support). And a 52% majority believe it should be either a top or high priority, receiving significantly more (8%) or somewhat more (44%) funding than it currently receives.
“These survey results confirm what we already know – leaders in Washington must take decisive action to protect Americans across the country from attack and threats to our nation’s security,” said Jenn Pellegrino, Founder & CEO of Defend Forgotten America (DFA). “President Trump has never hesitated to confront threats to the American people, and now it is time to tackle this challenge.”
How the U.S. Must Prepare
Fortunately, the right tools are available to defend Americans against the harms of CBRN threats and secure a stockpile for emergency. We must reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) and ensure robust funding for the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). These measures will help ensure the entire country is ready when CBRN disaster or terror strikes.
Learn more here.
About Defend Forgotten America (DFA)
Defend Forgotten America was founded by former America First Policy Institute spokesperson Jenn Pellegrino to ensure that federal bureaucrats and D.C. insiders hear from the heartland. Our mission is to give working Americans a voice—to ensure that their needs and stories make their way to Washington. We believe DC health policies should reflect community needs and realities for those in rural and small urban America, supporting fiscal innovation and creative solutions that protect rural and small urban communities and help them thrive.
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