[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H6408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMENDING CONDUCT OF CAPITOL HILL COMMUNITY DURING ANTHRAX EVENT

  (Mr. FILNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution that 
commends the entire Capitol Hill community for their courage and 
professionalism during the days and weeks following the release of 
anthrax on Capitol Hill.
  In particular, I want to acknowledge the Office of the Attending 
Physician and the health care professionals in his office who by their 
quick actions and early intervention prevented actual cases of anthrax 
within the Capitol Hill complex. They responded to and managed the 
largest bioterrorism event ever, providing direction locally that was 
used nationwide and even worldwide.
  It should be noted that the anthrax letter event proved to be the 
largest public health crisis in the United States since the smallpox 
outbreak in New York City in the 1940s. The incredible response by the 
Attending Physician and his staff as they evaluated and treated over 
7,000 people ensured the continuity of two branches of government, the 
Congress and the Supreme Court.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope this bill we are introducing today can move 
quickly through the House and be passed before October 14, the 1-year 
anniversary of the anthrax letter arriving in Senator Daschle's office.

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