WASHINGTON - The Homeland Security Department is ill-equipped to analyze the bioterror threat to the nation, which brings into question a $6 billion administration-backed plan to stockpile antidotes, House Democrats said Monday.
Rep. Jim Turner of Texas, top Democrat on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, said in a letter to President Bush the department's office responsible for analyzing bioterror threats "is not remotely close to having the tools it needs to meet its critical mandate."
A department spokesman, responding to the allegation, said officials were moving quickly to rectify staffing and space shortcomings.
Craig said Monday that he had been promised since 1996 that the Air Force would add four C-130 transport planes to the four already stationed at Gowen Air National Guard Base in Boise, Idaho, and he has secured $40 million in construction to prepare for the full squadron.