April 7, 2003

Mr. Chairman, thank you for convening this important hearing on the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). With all of our advances in the field of medicine, it is always shocking when an illness suddenly appears that we know almost nothing about. In this country, we have been very fortunate to have conquered so many of the diseases that have threatened us in the past, that we may begin to feel almost invincible. However, the development of an illness such as SARS reminds us that we must remain vigilant to the threat of new and emerging diseases. Especially in a world that is now so interconnected, it is virtually impossible to stop disease at our borders.

It is always the unknown that is most frightening, Mr. Chairman, and unfortunately we know very little about SARS. That is why I believe that today's hearing has the potential to be quite useful as a forum to address some of the questions and conjecture surrounding SARS. As I am sure all of our witnesses here today would agree, we are best prepared to deal effectively with an emerging threat only when we know exactly what it is that we are confronting. Until we know the true nature of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, we will not be able to effectively form an appropriate response. It is my hope that today's hearing will signify a step toward better understanding the threat posed by SARS and how we might effectively respond to its emergence.

More than 100 people have already died as a result of SARS, and thousands more are infected worldwide. International flights have been cancelled, and businesses are recalling their employees from overseas. Photographs in the news media show ordinary Asians walking to work wearing surgical masks - a disturbing image in this uncertain time. All the while, there is very little information about the danger that SARS presents to our nation. The American public - and I include myself here - is full of questions about how SARS might affect us. Is the danger likely to grow? How can I protect myself and my family? How do I recognize the disease? What should I do if I begin to feel sick?

These questions may be an overreaction based on a lack of information, which is exactly why this hearing is necessary. I am hopeful that today's panelists can answer many of these questions. I know that both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are actively pursuing answers, and I thank our witnesses for taking the time to be here today on such short notice.

Mr. Chairman, I would again like to thank you for convening today's timely hearing. As legislators we have the responsibility to help the American public better understand emerging threats and the possible impact of these threats on their health and well being. We also have the responsibility to provide oversight of the development of an effective federal response to the same threats. It is my hope that today's session will allow us to do both. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses this afternoon.

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Photos from the hearing