Lee Metcalf: “the GAO recently presented me with results of a year-long investigation regarding reports that the presence of…”

“the GAO recently presented me with results of a year-long investigation regarding reports that the presence of antibodies for squalene had been discovered in the blood samples of 6 Gulf War veterans. I am deeply troubled over the Department of Defense reply to the GAO recommendation. The GAO simply stated that since scientifically-credible research produced these findings, it would behoove the Department of Defense to conduct their own test to replicate or to dispute the results. We owe this to our veterans. The DOD response to the report has been unconscionable. In the department's official letter of comment Dr. Sue Bailey accused the GAO of being, and I quote, scientifically and fiscally irresponsible. That is a reprehensible statement, and I can not allow that accusation to go unchallenged. The recommendation reflects the scientific community's conclusion that the squalene antibody research is based on well-established principles. The lead researcher at Tulane University is widely respected. Tulane and the researchers have offered their assistance to DOD. Considering this, the Department of Defense cannot accuse the GAO of scientific irresponsibility. What is irresponsible is for the DOD to conclude that it can afford to wait for the lengthy publication process before conducting its own inquiry. Over 100,000 Gulf War era veterans are now afflicted with a tragic assortment of health problems.”