James M. Jeffords: “I wish to speak briefly on yesterday's incident that apparently involved ricin. First, I thank Majority Leader Frist for…”

“I wish to speak briefly on yesterday's incident that apparently involved ricin. First, I thank Majority Leader Frist for his calm and professional approach to this matter. I also thank the Capitol Police, the Attending Physician, and everyone who assisted in responding to this incident. As many of my colleagues know, my personal office is adjacent to Senator Frist's office on the first floor, and my committee staff is located across the hall from Senator Frist, so we were hit twice as hard on this episode. Nearly a dozen of my staff members were quarantined last night and later decontaminated. They did not get home until after 2 in the morning. I would like to say a special thank you to them. Thankfully, everyone is feeling fine, and they don't appear to have any ill effects. We should not have to go through this type of episode as we go about our business every day, but, unfortunately, these are the times we are living in. I am hopeful we will get to the bottom of who is responsible, close this chapter, and return to our normal routines as soon as possible.”