Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to members of the Maryland Association of Counties, December 5, 2001

ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE ASSISTANT DEPUTY MAJORITY WHIP Congress of tbe Unite!) States ffiousc of JKepreSmtattoES «tolimjton, BC 20515-2002 December 5, 2001 Members Maryland Association of Counties 1 69 Conduit Street Annapolis, MD 21401-2571 Dear Members: (410) 284-6828 (410)780-3911 (410) 255-6983 Please accept my sincere thanks for this opportunity to speak with you on a very timely issue: America’s response to bioterrorism. Unfortunately, my voting responsibilities in Congress prevent me from joining you today, as the events of recent weeks have extended our schedule beyond the target adjournment date. Rest assured, we in Congress are fully devoted to countering this new threat to America’s safety. As Co-Chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Biotechnology Caucus and a member of the Subcommittee on Health, I am working closely with my colleagues, as well as the Bush Administration, to protect the public health in the event of a future bioterrorist attack. I recently had the pleasure of serving on the House Government Reform Committee’s hearing on bioterrorism, at which Mayor O’Malley and Baltimore City Police Commissioner Norris testified on Baltimore City’s anti-terrorism plans. Maryland’s emergency response units are among the best in the nation in countering bioterrorism, and Mayor O’Malley and Commissioner Norris both expressed their belief that communication between federal and state officials must be maximized in order to protect the city of Baltimore. I am working with President Bush and Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge to ensure that our homeland defense initiative fosters a strong relationship between local and federal agencies. In addition, a number of county leaders, including Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens and Harford County Executive Jim Harkins, have contacted me to secure the funding needed to meet bioterrorist threats. I look forward to building efficient, constructive relationships with Maryland’s local governments in an effort to strengthen the state’s homeland defense efforts. Again, many thanks for the invitation. Your efforts today are an important first step in meeting the challenges Maryland will face in these unprecedented times. Robert L. Ehijfich, Jr. Member of Congress RIN7EO ON RECYCLED PA