Rep. Tom Cole Participates in Mock Bio-Terrorism Attack

Washington D.C. – In order to examine the impact of a bio-terrorism attack on the healthcare infrastructure and the subsequent impact on national and homeland security, Congressman Tom Cole participated today in the "Scarlet Shield" exercise during the Secretary of Defense's Strategic Policy Forum. Participants in this crisis-simulation exercise examined the implications of a major national security crisis on U.S. healthcare, the military and the economy.

"Unfortunately, I witnessed a real crisis situation while serving as Secretary of State in Oklahoma in 1995. This exercise reminded me of how important cooperation of federal, state and local officials is to the readiness for a national security crisis. Oklahoma is familiar with physical and emotional devastation of a disaster and we must take responsible and practical precautions to prevent and control this kind of threat," Congressman Tom Cole said.

Thirteen members of Congress participated in "Scarlet Shield" at the National Defense University. After the exercise, Members briefed Assistant Secretary of Defense Paul McHale and Assistant Secretary Jerry Haurer on their observations and their policy recommendations.

"It is important that we work together to find ways to stop these kind of attacks before they happen. A response to a bio-terrorism incident would require more resources than the attack on the World Trade Center. Further planning is necessary to create a more secure nation through awareness and preparedness," Congressman Tom Cole said.

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