Washington, D.C., Oct. 18, 2001–Most of the Capitol complex shut down Wednesday evening following news that 31 people on Capitol Hill had been exposed to anthrax.
The Senate Chamber will remain open for business in the Capitol, but its three adjacent office buildings are closed for an environmental sweep and are not expected to reopen until October 22.
As for the House of Representatives, all of its office buildings have been closed, and the House will not reconvene until October 23.
According to authorities, nasal swabs of 31 people–including five Capitol Hill police officers, three staff members in Sen. Russell Feingold’s office, and members of Sen. Thomas Daschle’s office–tested positive for exposure to anthrax. A letter contaminated with anthrax was opened in Sen. Daschle’s office on Monday, Oct. 15.
On October 18, CNN reported that an employee of CBS in New York City has tested positive for exposure to anthrax as well.
