Biodefense: Who’s in Charge?

This article discusses America’s approach to bioterrorism. Professor Sutton posits that the government’s response to the anthrax attacks of 2001 demonstrate organizational problems in America’s response to biological attacks. This article describes America’s current organizational structure, the role of the federal agencies in the context of biodefense, and federalism issues in bioterrorism. Sutton also examines President Bush’s proposal for a Department of Homeland Security in the context of the legal implications for biodefense, and the shift in federalism in that proposal. Sutton points out that national security is the highest compelling interest of government, and contends that a national approach to biodefense best provides for America’s national security and the threat of bioterrorism.