Republican Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond of Missouri was at Saint
Louis University on Wednesday, Aug. 25 to discuss Missouri’s role
in homeland security.

Bond was joined by Republican Sen. Thad Cochran of Mississippi,
chairman of the Senate Appropriations Homeland Security
Subcommittee, Tim Daniel, Missouri Homeland Security director and
other government officials.

“Missouri is making significant contributions to our efforts to
protect the homeland,” Bond said. “It is essential that law
enforcement, industry, government, state, local and federal
officials all work together for this shared goal.”

Specifically, Bond noted SLU’s contributions to the fight
against terrorism. He aided in the establishment of the Center for
the Study of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infections at SLU. Bond has
secured millions for the center, which attempts to make the nation
more prepared in the event of a bio-terror attack.

Bond reminded the audience of the importance of the Bioterrorism
center. “SLU’s bioterrorism program gained further national
recognition when the anthrax attacks struck Washington and Senator
Bill Frist’s Web site provided a direct link to the Bioterrorism
center,” he said.

SLU has also recently joined with The University of Missouri-St.
Louis and Washington University to address the problem of
agroterrorism. The universities will be doing immunology research
to protect humans and livestock, and plan to develop an early
warning system.

“SLU has taken the lead in terrorism and preparedness. Their
research is vital to the protection of our military personnel and
the public,” Bond said.