November 07, 2003   SENATOR COLLINS: AMERICA STILL VULNERABLE TO BIOTERRORIST ATTACKS Comments on Detection of Possible Anthrax Presence at D.C. Postal Facility   WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) today said that while the U.S. Postal Service responded promptly to the latest anthrax incident in Washington, D.C., it shows that America is still vulnerable to bioterrorist attacks. The U.S. Postal Service closed 11 facilities on Thursday when it detected the possible presence of anthrax at one location. “The postal service took appropriate steps by shutting down certain facilities to safeguard employees,” said Senator Collins, whose committee has jurisdiction over the postal service and the Department of Homeland Security. “Unfortunately, this incident also shows how vulnerable we still are to bioterrorist attacks. Now more than ever, it is essential that we work to fill the gaps in our nation’s defense and surveillance systems against bioterrorism. “I am also concerned about the workers who have been displaced by this latest incident, and pray that they continue to test negative for anthrax. My hope is that the postal service will be able to find the source of anthrax quickly so that they will be able to get back to business as usual,” said Senator Collins. On November 19, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will hold a hearing to assess the vulnerability of America’s food and agricultural infrastructure, the effects of an attack, and the existing and needed prevention and response capabilities. This threat may be more than hypothetical. It is known that some of the Sept. 11 hijackers had a specific interest in crop-duster aircraft that could be used to disseminate aerosols of plant and animal pathogens.   ###   Printable Version   « previous Press Release next Press Release »   1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 November 2003 Press Releases   November 25 - Chairman Collins Calls on SEC to Provide Information About its Investigation of Mutual Funds’ Questionable Activities   November 25 - Sen. Collins Urges President to Coordinate Federal Agroterrorism Preparedness and Response Efforts   November 21 - Senate Approves Sen. Collins’ Bill to Create National Women’s History Museum   November 20 - Sen. Collins Praises DHS for Efforts to Improve Cargo Security   November 20 - Collins Releases GAO Report on Electricity Blackout; Says Findings Emphasize Failings of Proposed Energy Bill   November 19 - Sen. Collins: America’s Agricultural Industry Is Vulnerable To Terrorist Attack   November 18 - Chairman Collins Urges DHS Deputy Secretary Nominee to Make Port Security, Investing in First Responders Top Priorities   November 14 - Collins, Lieberman Urge Administration to Improve Port Security by Funding Key Coast Guard Project   November 13 - Homeland Security Grants Will Help Protect High-Risk Areas, Says Chairman Collins   November 13 - Senator Collins’ Provision to Increase Federal Worker Pay Included in Conference Report   November 13 - Sen. Collins’ Contracting Provisions Included In Defense Authorization Bill   November 7 - Sen. Collins Issues Statement on Civil Service Reform   November 7 current Press Release   November 5 - Sen. Collins to Introduce Legislation to Reform the Postal Service   November 4 - Sen. Collins Comments on Office of Federal Procurement Policy Nominee   November 3 - Sen. Collins Questions Why SEC Has Failed to Detect Mutual Fund Abuses
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 340 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510