Letter signed by the Chairman of the Government Reform Committee, Representative Dan Burton
December 28, 1999
The Honorable William Cohen Secretary of Defense Washington, DC 20301
Dear Secretary Cohen:
Pursuant to Rules X and Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Government Reform has oversight of the Department of Defense. As you are aware, the Committee is conducting an inquiry into vaccines, including defense vaccines. A hearing was convened on October 12, at which several members of the military, active and reserve, were asked to testify. One of these witnesses was Major Sonnie Bates, USAF. At this hearing, as well as the hearings of the National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations Subcommittee hearings, members of the military were assured that they would be protected from retaliation as a result of their bravery for testifying before a Congressional Committee. It appears that individuals within these witnesses' command, particularly at Dover Air Force Base may have behaved in a retaliatory fashion.
Major Bates is a pilot in the United States Air Force with 13 years of faithful service. He was asked to testify at our October 12 hearing to share findings of a personal review of the information available on the anthrax vaccine, begun at the suggestion of his Squadron Commander. His testimony included concern about the number of seemingly unexplained debilitating illnesses at Dover in which the only common denominator was the anthrax vaccine. Prior to the hearings, Major Bates had been warned that if he stated during his testimony that he was going to refuse the vaccine that an example would be made of him. At no point during his testimony or during the questioning did Major Bates state whether or not he would refuse the vaccine.
Upon his return to Dover, Major Bates' was asked to take the vaccine sooner than other individuals who arrived at Dover at the same time, even prior to those who had been there longer. He has submitted a request to separate from the Air Force on November 18. Rather than accept this request, he was offered an Article 15 which he declined and Page 2 - The Honorable William Cohen requested a trial in court. Rather than accept this declination, he has now been told that a formal meeting will be required for this procedure. Major Bates has been told by legal counsel that this is unusual.
Major Bates has honorably served in the Air Force for 13 years and should not be forced to accept a Federal conviction for refusing a vaccine that may very well cause him physical harm. Major Bates, like many other members of the military, has witnessed many of his friends fall victim to this vaccine. These are not cases of soreness and swelling at the injection site, but medically diagnosed conditions of thyroid damage, liver damage, external and internal cysts (including cysts around the heart), autoimmune disorders, crippling bone/joint pain, seizures, memory loss, vertigo, and inability to concentrate that have all been documented.
Major Bates is the father of an autistic child. As you may know, raising an autistic child presents a constant vigilance and is emotionally and physically draining. Major Bates, cannot in all good conscience, risk being debilitated by a vaccine and be left unable to function as a care-giver for his son and provider for his family.
I am requesting that Major Bates' request to separate be accepted by January 7. I am also requesting that a thorough investigation into the retaliation of Congressional witnesses within the Department of Defense be conducted and a detailed report provided by January 15.
If you have any questions, please contact, Professional Staff Member, S. Elizabeth Clay at 202-225-5074.
Sincerely,
Dan Burton Chairman
cc: Secretary F. Whitten Peters
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Last revised: March 2003