BIOTERRORISM
Every day since the terrorist attacks, in big and small ways, we have been reminded of exactly how much has changed and of how different our priorities must be. We are at war now. This touches every aspect of our lives – even some that may not come immediately to mind.
Today, for example, when we think of agriculture, we must not just think of grains and livestock, but also about bioterrorism. Agriculture is no longer just a means of feeding our people – but we must also be mindful that terrorists can use it as a means of attacking our people as well. We must counteract this threat, and safeguard both our food supply and our citizens.
Therefore, back in October I introduced the "Agricultural Bioterrorism Countermeasures Act." The purpose of this bill is to address the potential for bioterrorist threats to our farms, ranches, livestock, poultry, crops, as well as our food processing, packaging and distribution systems.
After I introduced my bill, Senators Bill Frist (R-TN) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) brought forward an overall bioterrorism bill. I worked with both Senators to ensure that many of the measures in my legislation now form the foundation of the agriculture provisions of their "Bioterrorism Preparedness Act." This legislation is pivotal to the precautions we must take as it will enhance the capabilities of federal, state and local governments to coordinate:
- emergency preparedness efforts,
- stockpile vaccines and medical supplies,
- link channels of communication,
- modernize biosecurity facilities, and
- ensure the safety of America's health and food supply.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be expanded to enhance inspection capability, implement new information technology, and develop methods for rapid detection and identification of plant and animal disease. To enhance its ability to respond to outbreaks of animal disease, USDA's Veterinary Services will be authorized to establish cooperative agreements with private veterinary practitioners and state animal health commissions/agencies that regulate livestock and poultry health.
Several of America's institutes of higher education are very good at animal and plant disease research, maintain strong ties to laboratories, and have excellent coordination with state programs. These institutions will play a key role in our efforts by providing the invaluable resources and knowledge needed for the war on agricultural bioterrorism.
To encourage these institutions to work together, this legislation tells USDA to establish a "Consortium for Countermeasures Against Agricultural Bioterrorism." This Consortium will bring together several institutions to form stable, long-term programs of research and development. Two of our Texas institutions will be involved in this project: Texas A&M; will play a leading role as one of three national centers; Texas Tech will be one of seven additional members.
Obviously protecting our agriculture is not only critical to all Americans, but especially to our state, as it makes up some of our largest and most diverse economies. We – along with other agriculture states such as Mississippi, Georgia and California – are vulnerable to a bioterrorist attack.
This is the first modern war where the front lines lie on our own shores, farms and fields, but I know that we are up to the challenge – especially Texans, who will proudly serve as the first line of defense for our entire nation.
It is truly a changed time. This is, whether we like it or not, a battle for the very survival of all the principles and ideals that we hold dear. But we are the best, we have a just cause, and we will prevail.
December 11, 2001