Arlen Specter
The Public Record
Arlen Specter was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania for 30 years, from 1981 to 2011. Originally a member of the Republican Party, he switched to the Democratic Party in 2009. During his tenure, Specter was known for his moderate positions and played a key role in various significant legislative efforts, including judicial nominations and health care reform. He was involved in high-profile hearings, including those related to the 9/11 attacks and the confirmation of Supreme Court justices.
We appreciate what you are doing. There are going to be questions submitted for the record.
The prevalence of autism is increasing, with the disease affecting, as we understand it, some 500,000 people in this country at a cost of $13 billion annually.
But at the moment, the policy is sort of--perhaps it is not drifting along, but it is pretty hard to formulate it with precision.
Sometime within the next 5 years we would have better information on the complexity of the disease.
If we convey a sense that we are looking for a greater sense of urgency, if you get that message today, you are right.
Are you saying that is the maximum amount that can be efficiently spent on that research?
There is no precise, cannot be a precise, evaluation of what the risk is of a smallpox attack.





