    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 12, 2001]
    [Page 1509]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Action on Bioterrorism Defense Legislation
    December 12, 2001

        I commend Congressmen Tauzin and
    Dingell for successfully passing bipartisan
    legislation that will help meet our immediate bioterrorism defense
    needs. Their legislation includes many of my priorities, including
    proposals to expand the pharmaceutical stockpile, increase our supply of
    smallpox vaccines, strengthen State and local preparedness, and improve
    the safety of our food supply.
        I look forward to working closely with Congressmen Tauzin and Dingell, as
    well as Senators Kennedy, Gregg, and Frist, to quickly reach a
    bipartisan consensus on this important legislation.