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The latest set of documents uncovered by Judicial Watch identifies the existence of a North American Pandemic Influenza Working Group charged with coordinating a response to an outbreak of influenza on the North American continent. The working group is organized into "preparedness planning focal points," that include: "Travel and border issues," "Management of foreign nationals," "Stockpiles and material support," "Surveillance and laboratory," "Information sharing and communications," and "Personnel."

As I reference a few weeks back, the working group is actively considering a rather unique response to the possibility of an influenza outbreak: Making sure the borders are not closed!

Additional records uncovered by Judicial Watch identify the membership of the partnership's "Working Group on Electronic Commerce, Information and Communications Technologies." Twenty-three members of the working group (from all three nations) met for two hours on April 25, 2005 (just one month following the creation of the partnership) in the offices of the U.S. Department of Commerce in Washington, DC. Their discussions have involved the integration of the U.S. electricity grid with that of Mexico's.

The activities of the Security and Prosperity Partnership touch on all aspects of the lives of American citizens, including commerce, travel, security, health, energy, and the environment. And yet, this is all going on behind closed doors with very little scrutiny from the press and Congress. You can be sure, however, that Judicial Watch will continue to make this process as transparent as possible. Our investigation is ongoing.

JW Holds "Foley Scandal Fallout" Educational Panel at National Press Club

Last Thursday, Judicial Watch hosted a panel on congressional ethics at the National Press Club entitled, "Foley Scandal Fallout," which was broadcast live on CSPAN2. Joining me on the panel were Charles Hurt of the Washington Times, Stephen Hess from the Brookings Institution and Tim Burger of Time magazine. The discussion, of course, initially focused on the sex scandal involving former Florida congressman Mark Foley, but soon developed into a comprehensive discussion on the subject of congressional ethics. I cannot do justice to the panel in the space of this update. However, you can view the full video transcript of the panel on the "watch and listen" page of Judicial Watch's Internet site. In the meantime, I'd like to share with you the opening statement I prepared for the panel discussion.

JW Honors Victims of Anthrax Attacks at 5-Year Anniversary Event

Thursday afternoon I was honored to be a guest speaker at the 5th Year Anthrax Crisis Memorial, hosted by Brentwood Exposed. The event was held in memory of those who were victimized by the October 2001 anthrax attacks, especially Joseph P. Curseen and Thomas P. Morris, Jr., two Brentwood postal officials who lost their lives.

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