Friday, April 4, 2003

Big day! US army captures Iraq International Airport. I testify before the House Government Reform Committee on the subject of Project BioShield. Mark McClellan testifies with me. The House (Shays, Waxman, Chairman Case generally support the concept of BioShield, but have some concerns such as with the “permanent” and indefinite Appropriations Authority. After the Hearing I, together with Julie Gerberding and Tom Ridge, brief President Bush, Laura Bush, VP Cheney, and the senior White House Staff on SARS and Smallpox vaccine program. We bring executive order to the POTUS on quarantine for SARS and he signs it. At meeting are Josh Bolten, Karl Rove, Ari Fleischer, Richard Falkenrath, Adm Steve Abbott,, etc. POTUS and VP as usual very warm and complimentary to me and to Julie. After the meeting, I spoke with Josh Bolten and volunteered to go to Iraq for the President if the Iraqis use biological, chemical or radiological weapons on our troops. I offered this to allow a public appreciation of the link (my being a civilian health authority) between Iraq and the danger of bioterrorism against the USA civilian population. April 5-9, 2003 – Incredibly busy. I have testified at >6 Congressional Hearings over the past few days on SARS, Appropriations, AIDS, Biodefense, etc. SARS is spreading. Have been on many network TV shows discussing SARS – CNN (several different shows), Good Morning America, News Hour, CNBC, etc. Iraq is falling; Bagdad occupied by US troops.