The General Accounting Office (GAO) – Congress’ investigative arm – is moving forward with an investigation into the government’s response to the fall 2001 anthrax crisis at the request of Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4). 

    Smith has led efforts in Congress to ensure the government is better prepared to respond to another biological, chemical, or radiological terrorist attack.  He experienced first hand the confusion and lack of coordination among first responders, health officials and healthcare providers that resulted during the anthrax crisis. All known anthrax letters originated from a central post office in Hamilton, New Jersey. 

    “I am pleased with the comprehensive and thorough framework the GAO has provided for its investigation into the anthrax crisis.  When this study is completed, it will better prepare all levels of government to respond should there be another attack,” Smith said. “This investigation is a key component in the overall process of learning lessons so mistakes made last time will not be repeated.”

In a letter to Smith, the GAO said it will examine:
 --  The roles and responsibilities of agencies in developing responses to the contamination;
 --  How information about the threat was communicated to postal employees;
 --  How medical care was provided to postal employees exposed to anthrax and how payment for this care was provided;
 --  How the Postal Service decided to close contaminated facilities;
 --  Concerns of postal employees regarding the Postal Service's reaction to the crisis. 

    “From the very beginning, I have been concerned about disparities in the government’s response to the situations in Washington and elsewhere – notably New Jersey – where the anthrax letters were mailed,” Smith said.  “I am confident that this GAO investigation will help us further develop a comprehensive, uniform, ready-to-use response to any future attacks and ensure that all of our citizens are better protected.” 

    Since the initial attack, Smith has worked to make sure local postal employees are properly cared for. During the crisis, he helped secure dosages of needed antibiotics when a local hospital ran low of supplies.  Smith also pressured health investigators to check other area post offices for contamination and pushed postal officials to find a temporary processing center closer to the Hamilton plant. 

    Once the initial threat subsided, Smith fought to reimburse a local hospital for the expense in treating exposed employees.  In addition to requesting the GAO study, Smith has also pushed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to thoroughly study all people – mainly postal employees and Capitol Hill staffers – who were exposed to anthrax and treated with long-term antibiotics. 

    Smith also wrote a law (PL 107-287) to establish four centers of excellence in the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop means to prevent and treat victims of biological, chemical, and radiological terrorism.  This law will help soldiers exposed to contamination and will also help the government’s overall terrorism response efforts.