One representative who is a member of the Homeland Security Task Force recently proposed a $7 billion spending package to fight bioterrorism, including $800 million aimed at protecting water and food.

The proposed package, called the Bioterrorism Protection Act, also includes $3.5 billion for public health, boosting the supply of vaccines and adding medical personnel; $1.1 billion to strengthen intelligence and communications; $870 million to secure borders at land and sea, address threats to mail delivery service and to provide the right tools to law enforcement agencies; and $720 million for the military to prepare, respond and assist communities through- out the United States.