“ Since we regard this as a criminal law enforcement matter, rather than an intelligence activity, a briefing to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence would not be appropriate nor consistent with our long-standing policy on pending matters. ”

“ Contrary to the assertions in your letter, the investigation into the anthrax attacks of 2001 has made significant progress and has been one of the largest and most complex investigations ever conducted. The FBI has devoted hundreds of thousands of Agent-hours to the case and currently has 17 Special Agents assigned to a Task Force, along with 10 U.S. Postal Inspectors, who are dedicated to solving this case. ”