Share This Page Slashdot Del.icio.us Google Digg Reddit Newsvine Furl Yahoo Facebook

Washington, Oct 30, 2001 -  

  For Immediate Release                                                        Contact: Raj Bharwani
  October 30, 2001                                                                (202) 225-5101

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to the temporary interruption of mail delivery to the U.S. Capitol and congressional buildings, Representative F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR., (R-Menomonee Falls), released the following statement today: 

"Due to the recent mailings of letters contaminated by the anthrax bacteria, Members of Congress last received mail in their Washington, DC offices on Friday, October 12th.  Given that it usually takes a few days for mail to be delivered, this means any letter mailed since approximately October 8th, has probably not been delivered to my office. 

"As of this date, three Representatives' offices in the Longworth Office Building, as well as offices and mail handling equipment in other House buildings have tested positive for anthrax contamination.  Security personnel responsible for handling this situation are still not sure what has caused the contamination.  While the investigation is still going on, all our mail continues to be held as authorities try to determine the cause of the anthrax contamination in the House buildings.  Consequently, at this point, the treatments of our current mail as well as the procedures to allow congressional offices to receive mail have yet to be determined.  However, my Washington, DC office is open and operating with a full staff.  Constituents may still contact my office via phone: (202) 225-5101, fax: (202) 225-3190, or e-mail: sensen09@mail.house.gov.

"It is Congress' legal responsibility to provide its employees with a safe work environment, and I support my leadership in all it is doing to protect our staff.  Once I am able to receive my mail again, I will respond to your letters.  But until then, I ask that my constituents continue to remain patient as the House attempts to eliminate the risk of infecting the people who serve their country by working in congressional offices."