Firing of Gulf Illness Scientist to Be Probed

A congressional panel is investigating the abrupt firing of a chemical weapons researcher from a White House committee studying illnesses among Gulf War veterans, the New York Times reported. Jonathan B. Tucker said he believes he was dismissed last year because he tried to go to sources outside the government for information about the possible release of chemical and biological weapons. Tucker told the paper he was ordered not to talk to Gulf War veterans or government whistle-blowers about Gulf War syndrome. Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), who heads the House Government Reform subcommittee on human resources told the paper he plans to have Tucker testify before his panel next year.