"As the only physician in the U.S. Senate, Senator Frist is in a unique position to take a leadership role in identifying bioterrorism threats, evaluating our resources, assessing the risks and proposing solutions. I fully support his bioterrorism prevention legislation and co-sponsored the companion bill in the House of Representatives. I deeply appreciate Senator Frist's expertise and guidance as we navigate through these uncharted waters."

The "Bioterrorism Preparedness Act of 2001" is designed to address existing gaps in our nation's biodefense and surveillance system, as well as our public health infrastructure. It authorizes approximately $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2002 and includes the administration's priorities. The bill focuses on four critical areas: providing federal assistance to state and local governments in the event of a biological attack; improving public health, hospital, laboratory, communications and emergency response preparedness and responsiveness at the state and local levels; increasing incentives for the rapid development and manufacture of needed therapies, vaccines and medical supplies; and enhancing the safety.