Letter from Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) to the Secretary of Defense-- 24 Feb 2000

February 24, 2000

The Honorable William S. Cohen
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I have reviewed the preliminary report of the House Government Reform Subcommittee regarding the Department of Defense (DoD) Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP). I am concerned that sufficient questions regarding the safety and efficacy of the program have been raised to warrant further investigation of what I believe to be a well-intended program.

In the meantime, I have serious concerns about the state of opinion in the armed forces concerning the AVIP program. Ad hoc explanations concerning the vaccine production facilities have served to inflame--rather than to allay--servicemembers' and the public's concerns.

Accordingly, I believe that the military branches should cease all disciplinary actions related to the anthrax vaccination program, pending a thorough review of the AVIP program and FDA approval of the Bio Port production facilities.

I look forward to your response to this very important matter.

Sincerely,

Mike Crapo

United States Senator