Letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to Senators Daschle and Leahy in 2001.

Following the now-infamous terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001, a series of anthrax "attacks" occurred in various locations around the U.S. There was a serious contamination at the offices of American Media, Inc., in Florida, and letters containing anthrax were mailed to government officials and media sources, including the editor of the New York Post and NBC anchor Tom Brokaw. On October 9th, the mailrooms at the Russell and Hart Senate office buildings received letters addressed to Senators Tom Daschle and Patrick Leahy. Like the other letters, they were dated September 11th, and contained the following words: "Death to America, death to Israel, Allah is great." The letters contained a strain of anthrax spores that appear to have been "weaponized," meaning that the spores were made small enough to become airborne more easily, thus making them an even greater health hazard. The FBI has investigated leads both foreign and domestic, but to date, they have not identified the source of the attacks.

Science NetLinks
In Anthrax Attacks (6–8), students research the anthrax disease and its impact on human health. Through the research, students gain the knowledge that bacterial diseases may invade and damage different body systems and study the effects of similar diseases and ways to fight these invaders.

The Science Update Anthrax Antibodies (6–12), features an interview with George Georgiou about efforts to make a better vaccine against anthrax.

EDSITEment
To learn more about Congress, use the lesson Congressional Committees and the Legislative Process (9–12). This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn about the pivotal role that Congressional committees play in the legislative process, focusing on how their own Congressional representatives influence legislation through their committee appointments.