Three secret DoD projects involving countermeasures against anthrax – code named Project Bacchus , Project Clear Vision and Project Jefferson – were publicly disclosed by '' The New York Times '' in 2001 . ( The projects were undertaken between 1997 and 2000 and focused on the concern that the old Soviet BW program was secretly continuing and had developed a genetically modified anthrax weapon . ) Since the September 11 attacks and the 2001 anthrax attacks , the US government has allocated nearly $ 50 billion to address the threat of biological weapons . Funding for bioweapons-related activities focuses primarily on research for and acquisition of medicines for defense . Biodefense funding also goes toward stockpiling protective equipment , increased surveillance and detection of bio-agents , and improving state and hospital preparedness . Significant funding goes to BARDA ( Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ) , part of DHHS . Funding for activities aimed at prevention has more than doubled since 2007 and is distributed among 11 federal agencies . Efforts toward cooperative international action are part of the project
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
United States biological defense program