Norton Introduces Resolution Honoring Two Postal Workers and Three Other Americans Killed in Anthrax Attacks

WASHINGTON, D.C.—During the week of the 16-year anniversary of the 2001 anthrax attacks, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced she will introduce a resolution honoring the late Joseph Curseen, Jr. and Thomas Morris, Jr., the United States Postal Service (USPS) employees who died from anthrax inhalation while working at the USPS processing facility located at 900 Brentwood Road NE, which is now named for them. Morris and Curseen died on October 21, 2001, and October 22, 2001, respectively. Norton's resolution also honors three other Americans who died from exposure to anthrax during the attacks, as well as all USPS employees for their dedicated service to the nation in the face of such threats to federal facilities throughout the U.S., and a lack of deserved funding support from the Congress.

"Each Congress I introduce this resolution to honor the lives of Joseph Curseen, Jr. and Thomas Morris, Jr., who were tragically lost in the 2001 anthrax terrorist attacks, to ensure they are never forgotten," Norton said. "Sixteen years later, it is important that Congress and the nation continue to recognize these men and the entire U.S. Postal Service workforce for serving the nation in the face of unpredictable risks."

Below is the full text of Norton's resolution.

RESOLUTION

Honoring the lives, work, and sacrifice of Joseph Curseen, Jr., and Thomas Morris, Jr., the two United States Postal Service employees who died as a result of their contact with anthrax while working at the United States Postal Facility located at 900 Brentwood Road, NE, Washington, DC, during the anthrax attack in the fall of 2001; United States Postal Service employees, who have continued to work diligently in service to the people of the United States notwithstanding anthrax attack; as well as the other three Americans who died and the 17 who became ill in the attacks.

Whereas the founders of the United States, recognizing the importance of a national system of mail to the new country in the U.S. Constitution, gave Congress the authority "To establish post offices and post roads";

Whereas employees of the United States Postal Service provide indispensable public services and honorably represent the United States on a daily basis;

Whereas despite the many terrorist attacks in federal facilities throughout the United States, including the anthrax attack more than ten years ago, Postal Service employees continue to risk their lives daily to serve the people of the United States;

Whereas Joseph P. Curseen, Jr., and Thomas L. Morris, Jr., both born in the District of Columbia, diligently and admirably served the Nation for decades as employees of the United States Postal Service;

Whereas in the fall of 2001, during the course of their jobs with the United States Postal Service, Joseph Curseen, Jr., and Thomas Morris, Jr., were exposed to letters containing anthrax that were placed in the mail and subsequently suffered from the inhalation of anthrax and thereafter died;

Whereas five individuals in the United States died from exposure to anthrax during the 2001 anthrax attacks and 17 became ill; and

Whereas in 2002, the United States Postal Service facility located at 900 Brentwood Road NE, Washington, DC, was designated as the "Joseph Curseen, Jr. and Thomas Morris, Jr. Processing and Distribution Center" by Public Law 107-225: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors the lives and work of Joseph Curseen, Jr., and Thomas Morris, Jr., and acknowledges the sacrifice that all Postal Service employees make on behalf of the United States on a daily basis.

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