Tom Coburn: “I find it ironic that since we talk about all the issues that face our country in terms of risk, this is potentially one…”

“I find it ironic that since we talk about all the issues that face our country in terms of risk, this is potentially one of the most deadly risks our country faces--not just from a natural occurrence such as bird flu but from the intentional use of manipulating biological, of manipulating viruses and bacteria. We know the intent of the people we are now fighting. It is to use fully any means at any time in any way to cause great disruption not only to the lives of Americans but on the economy of America. The fact that someone would hold up this bill to give us the capability to direct resources to become prepared says one of two things: Either they don't believe there is a real threat either from Mother Nature or the leaders of the 'Islamo-fascist' terrorists who want to attack us today or that they think we are prepared. And we are not prepared. We heard Senator Gregg talk about the vaccine industry. We need a program to redevelop our capabilities. I am a practicing physician. What we do know is vaccine costs are higher today because we have no industry. We have a limited supply of vaccine manufacturers.”