Judge warns Rumsfeld in anthrax case

http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050215-104609-5442r.htm

Washington, DC, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- A judge in Washington has warned Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld he could face contempt for ignoring a ruling on Pentagon anthrax vaccinations.

In October, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan largely struck down the U.S. military's involuntary vaccinations for weaponized anthrax.

The judge said the program could not be administered unless individual service members give "informed consent" to the vaccinations, President Bush issues a specific waiver or the Food And Drug Administration properly classifies a drug for use in the program.

A 1999 executive order by then President Bill Clinton required "informed consent" before administering the vaccine.

Monday, Sullivan ordered "Donald H. Rumsfeld" to "show cause by Feb. 28" why "he/or the government should not be held in contempt" for failing to follow the earlier ruling.

Sullivan also ordered Pentagon employees and soldiers challenging the program to respond to an emergency motion by the Pentagon asking that the earlier injunction be modified.