Thomas Daschle: “one year ago today, a letter containing about two grams of anthrax was opened in my office. My staff, Senator Feingold's…”

“one year ago today, a letter containing about two grams of anthrax was opened in my office. My staff, Senator Feingold's staff, and the law enforcement and medical personnel who responded to the incident were suddenly thrown into a world of frightening uncertainty. Twenty-eight people tested positive for exposure to multiple lethal doses of anthrax, and about 45 others were presumed to be significantly exposed. They endured 100 to 120 days of antibiotics and the fear and anxiety that accompany the largest bioterrorist attack on U.S. soil. All the while, they continued to come to work and do their jobs--jobs that included trying to protect the rest of America from a similar fate. Of course, the effects of this attacks were felt well beyond my office. Hundreds of others from the immediate area were placed on preventive antibiotics. House and Senate office buildings were closed for several days, and the Hart building was closed for 3 months. Every member and employee of the Senate was affected, and I must say it was an inspiration to see how well our community pulled together to ensure that the Senate continued to address the business of the country. In retrospect, we were very lucky. We knew exactly when and where people had been exposed, which gave us an advantage that others did not have--the opportunity to provide those who were exposed with immediate preventive care.”