DoD and the White House are very concerned about the possibility of bioterrorism, and have considered the possibility that the appearance of West Nile-like virus in New York was not accidental. Finally, the continued availability of some products may depend on government purchases. We urge you to allow the FQPA mechanisms to continue to function. Mr. Gore demanded decisions on pesticide registrations be based on sound science and that the FQPA processes be transparent. We are continually developing new risk reduction programs, and updating established ones, in line with new policies, goals, and technological feasibility.
Educational programs are effective.
We urge you to allow FQPA, as enacted by President Clinton, to serve our citizens, especially infants and children, as intended. Let the reregistration evaluations conducted under FQPA provide the basis for policy decisions, in line with Vice President Gore's directive for sound science. In addition, we ask your support for pesticide education programs to aid in attaining the goal of reducing exposure to all pesticides, including organophosphates and carbamates, to the minimum level achievable.