Lee Metcalf: “joined by several colleagues, today I wrote Secretary of Defense William Cohen asking for an objective analysis of the…”

“joined by several colleagues, today I wrote Secretary of Defense William Cohen asking for an objective analysis of the ``Antibodies to Squalene in Gulf War Syndrome,'' an article that has just been published in the February 2000 issue of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. This peer-reviewed article found anti-squalene antibodies in a very high percentage of sick Gulf War-era veterans. As a bio-marker for the disease process involved in Gulf War illnesses, the blood tests cited in the study could provide a vital diagnostic tool. We hope this will quickly lead to improved medical treatments for many who are suffering. Many who have heard about this issue are anxious to understand the ramifications, especially those veterans and their families whose lives sadly have been directly affected. We certainly acknowledge the need for further research. However, that should not preclude a vigorous examination of the immediate benefits this study may provide doctors treating those who suffer from Gulf War illnesses. The House-passed version of the Fiscal Year 2000 Defense Appropriations Bill included report language instructing the Department of Defense to develop and/or validate the assay to test for the presence of squalene antibodies.”