    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [May 19, 2004]
    [Pages 903-904]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Passage of Legislation To Implement Project
    BioShield
    May 19, 2004

        I commend the Senate for passing legislation that will bolster the
    Nation's defenses against biological, chemical, radiological, and
    nuclear threats. Project BioShield will speed the development of new
    vaccines and treatments that would help prevent harm to Americans in a
    terrorist attack. This legislation carries out my proposal to encourage
    accelerated research and development of medical countermeasures based on
    the latest scientific discoveries, provides for rapid stockpiling of
    critical new drugs and vaccines, and makes these treatments available
    quickly in emergency situations. America is more secure today because we
    have placed a strong emphasis on homeland defense, and initiatives like
    Project BioShield are another important step in winning the war on
    terror.

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